Bill would make it illegal to coerce an abortion in Idaho

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Story Published: Feb 4, 2008 at 3:15 PM MST

Story Updated: Feb 4, 2008 at 3:15 PM MST

By Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.

BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ Violently coercing a woman to have an abortion could bring 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines, if a measure introduced in the House Health and Welfare Committee Monday clears the full Legislature.

Such verbal threats would be a misdemeanor.

Representative Bob Nonini, a Coeur d'Alene Republican, says it should be a crime for a father to threaten to kick his daughter out of the house to get her to have an abortion.

Representative John Rusche, a Lewiston Democrat, questioned how often this actually happens.

David Ripley, a pro-life activist with Idaho Chooses Life, says this draws a line between free speech and a crime.

The bill will now get a full hearing.

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