Idaho Panel Backs Ban on Certain Second-Trimester Abortions

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — An Idaho committee has introduced legislation banning the most common type of second-trimester abortions, even though courts have blocked similar measures in other states.

The measure would make the dilation and evacuation method of abortion — commonly called "D&E" — illegal in all cases except when a mother's life is threatened by a physical ailment. Courts blocked such bans in Kansas and Oklahoma enacted last year.

Furthermore, the Senate State Affairs Committee voiced concern over the legality of the proposal Friday. Both Republican and Democratic members questioned whether such a measure could be upheld in Idaho courts.