In Idaho there is now a ban on abortion at 24–26 weeks of pregnancy. Those who meet the criterion must wait 24 hours after counseling to obtain an abortion. Parental consent or notice is required for a minor's abortion and state Medicaid coverage of abortion care is banned except in very limited circumstances.
This means that if you are a resident of Idaho and find that you have an unexpected, untimely, or unwanted pregnancy, abortion may no longer be an option for you in your state.
What can I do?
First, it is important to understand Roe v. Wade and the laws of Idaho.
Roe v. Wade was a 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that ruled abortion was a right protected by our Constitution, regardless of the laws of Idaho, or any other state. When this decision was overturned, this prior constitutional right to have an abortion was removed.
As a pregnant woman with an unexpected, unwanted, or untimely pregnancy, your options now may include:
(1) traveling to a state where an abortion may be possible;
(2) carrying the pregnancy and raising the child either yourself or with the birthfather, or letting the father raise the child;
(3) having a family member or friend raise the child;
(4) placing the child in the Idaho foster care system; or
(5) consider placing the baby for adoption.
If you are thinking of developing an adoption plan, our agency, Adoption Services (www.adoptionservices.org), can help you. Since our start in 1985, our licensed not-for-profit we have completed almost 900 successful placements of babies with loving families. Our Agency, or some other adoption agency, can and will help you.
You may find the following links to be helpful:
https://www.adoptionservices.org/unplanned-pregnancy/
https://www.adoptionservices.org/abortion-alternatives/
Please consider all your options and give me, Dr. Berger*, a call or click on the Contact Us button to send me an email. I will be glad to help you. There is never any cost or obligation on your part.
*Note: I am a Ph.D. Psychologist, not an attorney. When it comes to the current law and legal issues, make sure to check with an attorney in Idaho.