Idaho Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Abortion Ban That Resembles Texas Heartbeat Act

The Idaho Supreme Court on Friday temporarily blocked the implementation of an abortion law that resembles the Texas Heartbeat Act.

The Idaho law (S.B. 1309), which was signed by Gov. Brad Little (R) in March, was initially set to go into effect on April 22. The ban would prohibit most abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which usually takes place six weeks into a pregnancy. Similar to Texas' legislation, family members of a "preborn child" would be empowered to sue abortion providers for at least $20,000. The state's Supreme Court granted the delay as a response to a lawsuit filed by Planned Parenthood, which claims the abortion ban violates the Idaho Constitution. 

Left-and center-rated outlets were more likely to highlight how the law allows a rapist's family members to sue medical providers "if the victim becomes pregnant," and that the six-week mark is "before many people know they are pregnant." Right-rated outlets were more likely to emphasize how Republican lawmakers "in at least 12 states" have proposed legislation similar to the Texas Heartbeat Act.