Strictest Abortion Bill Inspires Call for Potato Boycott

Faced with a potentially disastrous nationwide boycott of Idaho potatoes, Gov. Cecil Andrus said Monday he will seek advice before deciding whether to sign a measure that would become the most restrictive state abortion law in the nation.

The bill, which has been passed by both houses of the Legislature, probably will arrive on the governor’s desk today.

The bill would ban all abortions except in cases of severe fetal deformity, threat to the mother’s health or in cases of rape or incest.

Since the Senate gave final legislative approval to the bill last Thursday, opponents of the measure have held candlelight vigils every night outside the Capitol.

Abortion-rights activists in other states have vowed to launch a nationwide boycott of Idaho potatoes if Andrus fails to veto the bill. Potatoes are Idaho’s No. 1 cash crop. Idaho accounted for 27.2% of the nation’s potato production in 1988, more than any other state.

“I consider myself to be pro-life,” said Andrus, a three-term Democrat seeking reelection. “But I reserve the right to handle this legislation the way I handle any other legislation.”