Idaho Secretary of State Certifies Abortion Rights Ballot Measure

Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane certified on July 13, 2026, that the Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act will appear on the November 3 general election ballot. The initiative, led by Idahoans United for Women and Families, gathered over 110,000 signatures, the highest tally for a qualified initiative in state history. If passed by a simple majority, the law would permit abortion up to fetal viability and in medical emergencies, while also protecting contraception and IVF.

The measure seeks to reverse a strict 2022 ban that currently only allows exceptions for rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother, and imposes felony charges on physicians. Executive director Melanie Folwell attributed the movement's success to cross-partisan support and a critical shortage of OB-GYNs in the state.

Opposition includes the Idaho Republican Party, which passed a resolution to repeal the measure if it succeeds, and the anti-abortion group Idaho Chooses Life. CEO David Ripley argued that the initiative would invalidate decades of pro-life legislation. This vote is part of a broader trend across four states; on November 3, Missouri voters will consider reinstating an abortion ban and limiting gender-affirming care, while Nevada and Virginia will vote on constitutional amendments to establish a formal right to abortion.