An Idaho bill introduced Thursday would ban public money from reaching the coffers of any organization that performs abortions.

House Bill 507, introduced by Idaho Falls Rep. Bryan Zollinger and co-sponsored by Hammett Rep. Christy Zito, cuts off public spending from cities, counties, public health districts and the state toward any organization that performs abortions.

“In the last survey I saw, about 60 percent of the country believe that, whether or not abortion was legal, that tax-paying dollars cannot go to those funds,” Zollinger told the State Affairs Committee.

Zollinger’s bill is the third in a trio of legislative pieces that has gained statewide prominence while pushing an anti-abortion agenda. Rep. Heather Scott of Blanchard introduced a bill in late January that would both completely ban abortions while also allowing those who perform abortions to be prosecuted for murder.

Sen. Regina Bayer introduced legislation Jan. 23 that would allow drivers to license their vehicles with “Choose Life” plates.

Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest — the regional, political arm of Planned Parenthood — released a statement Thursday that condemned HB 507 as an attempt to discriminate, shame and harm pregnant people and medical providers.

Paul Dillon, vice president of public affairs for Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho, said the bill is playing politics with a woman’s health care choices.

“The bill is clearly trying to single [Planned Parenthood] out,” Dillon told The Press. “These bills have been struck down in courts throughout the states.”

Dillon added that a politician’s decision to interject government into a woman’s health decisions is irresponsible.

“Politicians have no business interfering with patient care,” he said. “Those decisions should be left to the health care provider and the patients.”

Zollinger, meanwhile, defended the bill’s merits in front of the State Affairs Committee.

“Everyone has a choice,” he said. “[Medical providers] can provide these services or they can’t.

If they want to receive any state or local government money for other services, they will have to choose not to provide abortions.”

HB 507 proposes exceptions in situations of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother.

The State Affairs Committee voted to schedule a hearing. As of press time, the bill had not been placed on the calendar.