Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we need this initiative?

For nearly 50 years, Idahoans had the personal liberty to make private medical decisions — including regulated, legal access to abortion—with their doctors, not politicians. Three years ago, Idaho’s trigger ban ended that, and we can see in the data: criminalizing doctors has consequences. We’ve lost 43% of our practicing obstetricians in just three years. This is causing care shortages and long wait times for every patient, not to mention heartbreaking stories from women who have been airlifted out of the state in order to receive life-stabilizing care. It doesn’t have to be like this.

What does this initiative do?

This initiative will restore Idaho to the pre-ban standard, including:

  • Decriminalizing abortion up to fetal viability

  • Decriminalizing abortion in cases of medical emergency/ fatal fetal diagnosis

  • Protecting access to birth control, emergency contraception like Plan B, and fertility treatments like IVF

  • Entitling every Idahoan to make decisions about reproductive health privately

How much will it cost?

This initiative will not increase costs for the State of Idaho nor taxpayers. Law prohibits taxpayer funds to pay for abortions: this law does not change that.

Does this mean that minors can get abortions without their parents’ permission?

The initiative does not change Idaho’s current parental consent law (SB1329) which requires parental consent for any medical care, including a band-aid at school.

Does this mean that doctors/care providers would be forced to perform abortions?

No. The initiative expressly protects freedom of conscience for any healthcare provider.

What do we need to get this on the ballot?

We need to gather 70,725 valid signatures from registered voters all over Idaho to qualify for the November 2026 ballot. We have until April 30, 2026 to gather the required signatures.

Why can we pass this initiative in a very conservative place like Idaho? 

Conservative states across the country – including Missouri, Montana, and Kentucky – have voted for similar laws restoring reproductive rights. Our polling is clear that a broad majority of Idahoans do not agree that the government should control private medical decisions, including abortion. While we all have different personal beliefs about abortion, 69% of Idaho voters agree that we ought not impose those on others.