08/22/2026
Even if you don’t believe in God there’s a reason to Vote No on Prop 1.
Hello, my name is Pastor Ben and I’m a retired cop-turned-pastor in Eagle Idaho. My wife and I, and a wonderful team of 10 moved here 10 years ago to plant Restored Community Church. I loved serving and protecting people, as a cop, and I love serving and protecting people as a pastor. So when I read Prop-1, I couldn’t sit idly by. I was compelled to speak up.
And whether or not you agree with my religious views, I believe we can find common ground outside of them in order to talk about a proposed bill we’re all about to vote on in November.
The writers of Prop 1 are asking us to trust them. But trusting doctors and scientists just hasn’t gone over well here in Idaho, or the nation, or the world for that matter as of recent. Remember the 2020 “pandemic” and being told to shut down churches, schools, and retirement centers just to name a few? The writers say that abortion law should be left to “healthcare providers”. However, abortion practices, like many other laws, should be decided by, and include, everyone in Idaho because, in part, it defines who we are as Idahoans.
This bill just isn’t right for Idaho and the Prop 1 writers know it. So how do they intend on getting it passed? By stating glittering generalities rather than getting right to the point and hoping you won’t ask questions.
If you were raised an Idahoan, or simply came here because you like values such as honesty and straight talk like I do, you’ll recognize the glittering generalities immediately. They want us to approve the bill, and then leave it to them to fill in the details.
Words matter and here is how the writers of Prop 1 are trying to use them in order to deceive us.
Under current Idaho law; abortion is already legal in cases involving in**st, r**e, a life-threatening circumstance to the mother, or non-viable pregnancies.
Under Prop 1 however, the wording would change to include any pregnancy – healthy or not - up to fetal viability (24-weeks?) and after that, in circumstances involving “medical emergencies.” Who defines what a medical emergency is? Not doctors, but rather the “ healthcare provider”. Trust me, I’m a “healthcare provider and I’m here to help!” So, some of the same people who told us to close churches, schools, and senior-living homes are going to tell us Idahoans what an emergency is when defining a legal abortion? Who are these people? Are they licensed practitioners? Are they held accountable by medical boards and agreed-upon law? No, it’s likely the insurance providers who will be deciding all of the details - the only entity who profits from the act.
Words matter and I encourage you to read the bill before casting your vote in November because, if you’re like me, you’ll have more questions than answers. Abortion for all? Does that include 14-year-olds who haven’t consulted their parents? If a woman has Covid is that an emergency that would allow aborting a baby at 8-months? Hmm, it doesn’t say and we’re not told. There’s a reason for that. We’re just told to trust the healthcare provider..
Prop-1 is just plain wrong for Idaho, and most of the people who call it home.
This is why I’m voting NO on Prop 1.
Thanks for listening. Feel free to leave your kindly-worded opinion.
Pastor Ben
