Idaho Lawmaker gets Gasps After Comparing Abortion to Prostitution

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A lawmaker from northern Idaho drew audible gasps when he asked representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union-Idaho if their pro-abortion rights stance also means that they support prostitution. Rep. Ron Mendive, R-Coeur d'Alene, made the comparison Wednesday morning during a legislative breakfast presentation held by the ACLU on criminal justice reform and other issues. Mendive asked the organization's executive director, Monica Hopkins, if she felt the ALCU should support prostitution since it supports a woman's right to choose abortion.

Mendive then said that prostitution is also "a woman's choice."  Hopkins said a woman's right to reproductive health care is constitutionally protected, while prostitution is illegal. She also reminded Mendive that prostitution is not always a choice, noting that legislation targeting human trafficking may be presented during the legislative session.