Abortion Trafficking
The Story
Idaho is taking its fight against abortion one step further.
What's going on?
Last week, Idaho’s state legislature passed a bill that would put a stop to what supporters called “abortion trafficking.” The measure would make it a crime for an adult to help a minor cross state lines to get an abortion without parental consent. Anyone who's found guilty would face up to five years in prison. The bill also allows family members and the person who impregnated the minor to sue doctors who perform the procedure for at least $20,000. Now, if Gov. Brad Little (R) signs it into law (as expected), Idaho would be the first state to have a ban of this kind.
Tell me more.
Idaho has some of the strictest abortion laws in the country. It has a near-total ban on the procedure, except in cases of rape, incest, or if the mother's life is at risk. It also requires that rape and incest be reported to the police. Under the new measure, Idaho wants to add additional restrictions to limit abortions for anyone under 18. It comes as Idahoans have found refuge in neighboring states like Washington, Oregon, and Montana, which have looser restrictions.
What are people saying?
Supporters in Idaho say the law is necessary to protect lives. State Sen. Scott Herndon (R) supported the bill and agrees it should be illegal for parents to take their child across state lines for an abortion. But state Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow (D) says the legislation is unnecessary and “further shackles young girls who are in trouble.” Abortion advocates promised to sue, if Little signs the bill.
theSkimm
Idaho is one of 13 states that bans abortions at basically all stages of pregnancy. Now, the state wants to put a first-in-the-nation restriction that would leave minors with fewer options than peers in other states.
And Also...This
Who’s hitting the brakes…
Saudi Arabia. Yesterday, the country and other oil giants announced they are slashing their daily oil output by about 1.15 million barrels. The Saudi Energy Ministry said the cuts are a “precautionary measure” to help stabilize the oil market. However, the US has previously said the world needs lower oil prices to help economic growth and to make sure Russia doesn’t make more money to fund its war in Ukraine. Now, one expert is saying prices at the pump could go up by 26 cents per gallon due to the cuts. Right now, the national average is about $3.50 a gallon. It's not the best news for anyone who remembers the record-high oil prices last summer. The production cuts are slated to start next month and go until the end of the year. No word from President Biden yet on whether he plans to release more oil from the US’s reserves to help with prices.
What has people reeling...
Tornadoes. Over the weekend, at least 50 tornadoes ran through Tennessee, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Delaware, Mississippi, and Alabama. At least 32 people died. The tornadoes destroyed towns and communities, but the eastern city of Wynne, AR, was one of the hardest hit. Governors in Indiana, Illinois, and Arkansas all declared states of emergency or disaster declarations to immediately open up aid. President Biden also issued a major disaster declaration for Arkansas to free up federal assistance for the state.
Who’s celebrating with a big roar…
Louisiana State University. Yesterday, the LSU Tigers beat the Iowa Hawkeyes 102 to 85 to claim the women’s March Madness championship. It’s been a long road for Iowa and LSU. Over the weekend, Iowa knocked out defending champions South Carolina, and LSU sent Virginia Tech home. All eyes were on Iowa guard Caitlin Clark, who became the first D1 women’s player to record more than 900 points and 300 assists in the same season. Now, controversial LSU coach Kim Mulkey — who’s received plenty of attention for her coaching attire — has led the Tigers to their first championship win. Jasmine Carson led the team with 21 points in the first half. LSU also set the record for most points in a women's title game, while they were at it.
…Oh and speaking of leaving it all out on the court, UConn and San Diego State will face off tonight for the men’s title. It’s been a tournament of upsets to say the least.
Who's not letting anything trump his plans...
Former President Trump. Tomorrow, he’s planning to give a speech at his Mar-a-Lago estate after his arraignment in New York. Experts say Trump will likely use the indictment as a core part of his third presidential campaign. In the 24 hours after the unprecedented indictment, Trump's campaign brought in more than $4 million. Now, Trump is expected to arrive in New York later today ahead of his arraignment.
What’s the collab we never knew we needed…
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Who’s beauty and grace…
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