Former Idaho State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna recently appeared on Newstalk 107.9, discussing the organized opposition to Proposition 1, also known as the “Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act.” Luna highlighted the formation of an interfaith coalition, “Stop Prop 1,” which aims to defeat the ballot initiative.
According to Luna, the coalition began organizing around the first of the year, bringing together leaders from the Catholic Diocese, evangelical communities, and other Christian churches. The group gained significant attention following a letter from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to its congregations, opposing Prop 1. Luna noted that the Catholic Diocese has also heavily supported the effort. The “Stop Prop 1” campaign has raised $3 million, running TV and radio ads, and distributing 10,000 yard signs, with additional funds still being sought. Their website, stopprop1.org, serves as a central hub for information and resources.
During the discussion, Neal Larson drew parallels between the current Prop 1 and the open primaries/rank choice voting initiative from two years prior, suggesting that both were presented with “half-truths.” Luna echoed this sentiment, arguing that Prop 1 is being pitched as “medical privacy” but, upon closer examination, would significantly expand elective abortion and impact parental consent laws. He described the initiative as having been crafted with “clever words” and phrases like “freedom and privacy,” which resonate with Idahoans.
Luna detailed specific concerns about the proposition’s language, particularly the phrase “notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary,” which he explained would nullify existing Idaho laws regarding parental rights, parental notification, and fetal viability. He pointed out that the initiative’s definitions section redefines “fetal viability” from the ability of a fetus to survive outside the womb “with medical assistance” to “without extraordinary medical measures,” a change he claims could extend the window for abortion by several months, well past the point a fetus can feel pain. Luna also argued that the proposition, by not explicitly preserving parental consent, would eliminate it, citing 12 other states where similar language has led to the loss of such rights.
Luna emphasized the serious nature of the battle, noting that similar propositions have been on ballots in 16 states, only being defeated twice. He urged Idahoans not to be “fooled” by the proposition’s wording. He encouraged listeners to visit stopprop1.org for information, yard signs, and literature, and to engage on social media by sharing content and discussing the issue with friends and family. The coalition hopes to secure a decisive defeat for Prop 1, preventing future attempts at similar legislation.
