Politics

The LDS Church donates $1 million to fight an Idaho pro-abortion ballot initiative

Boise State Public Radio News | By Julie Luchetta

Published October 15, 2026 at 5:00 AM MDT

A yard sign in front of a home that says "Stop Prop 1, vote no" with an outline of Idaho inside the O in Prop. The sign also notes in much smaller text that it was paid for by Too Extreme for Idaho PAC.

Last week, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated $1 million to fight Proposition 1. If voters approve the initiative, it would restore reproductive rights in Idaho, allowing abortions up to fetal viability and in medical emergencies.

The "No" campaign is an interfaith coalition started by conservative Christian Blaine Conzatti from the Idaho Family Policy Center, lobbyist for the Catholic Diocese of Boise Christian Welp, and Latter-day Saints representative Tom Luna.

Speaking on the Neal Larson radio show, Luna said despite doctrinal differences, the three religious organizers found common ground in the fight against Prop 1.

"The three of us thought, if anybody should unite to defeat Proposition 1, it should be the people of faith," he said. "Let's go and engage with church leaders and church members of many faiths across the state and build this army."

"When it comes to protecting life, when it comes to making sure Idaho is a strong family values state, we're all united in that and working together to defeat this," Luna added, saying the money will go towards messaging on social media, radio, TV, and streaming services.

Since the initiative was approved to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot, both sides of the issue have raised millions.

"I'm cautiously optimistic, but not to the point where you want to take your foot off the gas or pause for any moment. We should not get any sense of security," Luna said.

A church representative in Salt Lake City confirmed the donation.

"While The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints remains neutral toward political candidates, it actively addresses ballot initiatives it believes carry significant moral consequences," the church wrote in a statement.

This story was produced by the Mountain West News Bureau, a collaboration between Boise State Public Radio, Wyoming Public Media, Nevada Public Radio, KUNR in Nevada, KUNC in Northern Colorado, KANW in New Mexico, Colorado Public Radio, and KJZZ in Arizona as well as NPR, with support from affiliate newsrooms across the region. Funding for the Mountain West News Bureau is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Eric and Wendy Schmidt.