Moon’s future linked to Proposition 1 outcome

Re-elected Idaho State GOP chair Dorothy Moon has laid down a marker. Her major goal this year is to defeat Proposition 1 in November. By doing so she has linked her future to the measure.

Proposition 1 is the Reproductive Freedom and Privacy Act and is the only ballot initiative to make Idaho’s ballot this year. It specifies that every Idahoan has the right to reproductive freedom and privacy including as to abortion, contraception, and fertility treatments. If passed, at the point of fetal viability, Idaho could regulate abortion except in cases of a so-called medical emergency.

In essence, the measure would overturn current Idaho’s abortion laws that were triggered by the Dobbs decision. Idaho’s current laws are considered some of the strictest in the United States.

In her convention speech before being re-elected Moon committed to vigorously oppose and defeat Proposition 1. She claimed credit for defeating Proposition 1, the open primary/ranked choice measure, that lost 70% to 30% in 2024.

Moon faces significant obstacles to match 2024’s result.

BSU’s annual Idaho Public Policy Survey released in January found that 61% of Idaho’s backed Proposition 1 while only 28% opposed. Word on the street is that more current polling reflects that roughly 30-point lead for the measure.

Another challenge for Moon is financial. The Idaho Republican Party’s financial report shows only $121,000 raised this year with $210,000 total on hand. That war chest also has to cover party expenses, not just running a campaign against Proposition 1.

In contrast, the leading Proposition 1 advocacy group, Idahoans United for Women and Children, has raised just over $1 million this year and has $1.1 million on hand. In addition, in other state battles tied to abortion, the pro side has put millions of outside money into their state campaigns.

The Idaho GOP has put up a webpage on Proposition 1 which provides some of the arguments that Moon thinks will be persuasive with Idaho voters: 1) It asserts the measure will allow abortion through all 9 months as long as approved by a physician, 2) argues that passage would create “sexual libertinism” with no age limit, and 3) attacks that “medical emergency” depends on the doctor’s good faith, rather than an independent medical board’s review or a second opinion.

Part of the struggle for the opposition is the existing law.

Many Idaho health care providers have sounded the alarm, with particular emphasis on criminal penalties (up to 5 years in prison) that some believe might be imposed on medical personnel. There is data that shows that the current law has spooked Idaho doctors.114 of Idaho’s 268 obstetricians left Idaho after Dobbs through 2024, with only 20 new ones starting practice in Idaho. If Idaho’s doctors and nurses publicly back Proposition, that will provide a boon to supporters.

Also, Idaho’s law is considered by some as too tough on its exceptions, in particular those for pregnancies caused by rape and incest and where the line is drawn as to issues where the mother is herself at risk. Presumably proponents will highlight some of those areas.

Overall, Moon has put her credibility on the line. If Proposition 1 passes by a solid margin, Moon will be blamed. If she pulls off a defeat, she will receive some credit.

About the Author

Steve Taggart is an attorney in Idaho Falls and got into politics because of Ronald Reagan.