The Associated Students University of Idaho introduced a resolution Wednesday opposing legislation from Idaho lawmakers that would outlaw abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected.
The resolution, written by ASUI Sen. Dylanie Frazier and Director of Legislative Affairs Katie Hettinga, criticizes the bill for “inaccuracies, exclusionary language and lack of evidence.”
The bill lays out several abortion guidelines and restrictions, including prohibiting abortions when a fetal heartbeat can be detected. Fetal heartbeats can be detected as early as six weeks after conception. Frazier and Hettinga said most women are unaware of pregnancy within that six-week time frame, making abortions nearly impossible.
The bill provides some exceptions in the case of incest or rape, or if the life of the mother is endangered. To qualify for the rape or incest exception, a woman must provide court documentation or a law enforcement report to the physician.
ASUI’s resolution says this causes victims more trauma.
“It’s not a debate on abortion rights,” Hettinga said, “I’m not expecting you to change your opinion on an ethical issue. Rather, I expect you to vote or abstain in a way you believe is most beneficial for the communities you were elected to represent.”
The resolution will be voted on at the next meeting on March 3.
A resolution opposing another bill in the Legislature unanimously passed. The resolution was written by Hettinga, Director of Internal Affairs Lydia McRoberts and ASUI President Lauren Carlsen.
The bill aims to eliminate most forms of absentee voting. The only accepted exceptions include “uniformed and overseas citizens” and “those who have a sworn physical inability preventing in-person voting,” according to the bill.
Several senators brought student testimonies describing their reasons for voting absentees in the 2020 presidential election. Those reasons included being able to travel to their home county on election day, not having a secure way to reach a polling station, medical complications, COVID-19 concerns and busy schedules.
Carter Kolpitcke can be reached at arg-opinion@uidaho.edu or @carterkolpitcke on Twitter.