A recent Boise State University public policy survey revealed that a majority of Idaho residents favor less restrictive abortion policies compared to the state’s current laws. The survey, conducted as state officials await a decision from President-elect Donald Trump on whether to dismiss an ongoing Department of Justice lawsuit over abortion as emergency medical care, showed that most respondents prefer more access to abortion.
Key findings include:
- Abortion Access Preferences: While 20% supported a complete ban (in line with Idaho’s current law), 26% favored no restrictions on abortion. A significant portion of respondents, 55%, supported abortion access through the first trimester, and 38% supported access through fetal viability (around 22-24 weeks).
- Exceptions to Current Law: Respondents overwhelmingly supported more flexible exceptions to the state’s abortion law. Currently, abortion is allowed in cases of ectopic or molar pregnancy, rape, incest, and to prevent the death of the pregnant person. However, a larger majority of 64% backed less restrictive exceptions, such as abortion in cases of nonviable pregnancies, or to protect the health and prevent death of the mother.
- Political and Gender Divides: The survey revealed notable differences in views based on political affiliation, with Republicans tending to support more restrictive policies, while Democrats were more likely to favor abortion access. Women were slightly more inclined than men to support abortion rights.
These findings align with prior surveys, suggesting a growing divide between public sentiment and state law, as well as increasing support for broader abortion rights in Idaho.