Rep. Smith Wants Fixes To Idaho’s “Conscience” Law

One lawmaker wants to undo Idaho's conscience law, which is the new law that allows healthcare providers to refuse patient requests about abortions and end-of-life care if it disagrees with their own beliefs.

According to Representative Leon Smith of Twin Falls, Idaho's conscience bill goes too far. He says it was aimed at abortions and emergency contraception, but also jeopardizes the wishes of those facing death. Smith says the new conscience law could strip wishes made in living wills, yet living wills are already protected by state law.  Smith’s amendment would be to clarify that state law protects living wills. A second legislator is also drafting a similar bill.  Representative Tom Trail's bill removes language specific to end-of-life care from the conscience law.  That legislation is expected to be introduced within days.