Mormons give $1M to defeat Idaho abortion measure

The Latter-day Saints religious organization headquartered in Salt Lake City donated $1 million to a political action committee to help defeat a ballot measure that would expand abortion in Idaho. Proposition 1 would allow abortions up to fetal viability, defined in the proposal as when the baby can survive outside the womb without extraordinary medical measures, as determined by a physician. Idaho currently protects unborn babies at all stages of development, with limited exceptions. The $1 million donation went to the Too Extreme for Idaho Political Action Committee and was larger than any other contribution to the PAC.

According to The Salt Lake Tribune, the Mormon organization said in a statement that it remains neutral toward political candidates but actively addresses issues that carry moral consequences. The statement noted that the religious group has joined a coalition of like–minded organizations in Idaho to dedicate resources toward defeating Prop 1.

The LDS organization opposes elective abortion for personal or social convenience. But the group allows it in cases of rape or incest, when the mother’s life or health is at risk, or when a physician determines the baby will not survive because of defects, according to its official statement on abortion.

Another major donor, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise, has given a little more than $300,000 to Too Extreme for Idaho this election cycle. As of Monday, the PAC had raised around $4 million, with $2.5 million still in hand about three weeks before Election Day.

Who supports Prop 1? A PAC in support of Prop 1, Idahoans United for Women and Families, has raised nearly $5.7 million and has $3.3 million remaining. Among its top donors is former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and a PAC called Government That Works, known for supporting progressive causes and candidates, including Senate candidate Troy Jackson of Maine.