News
Supreme Court Decision Allows Emergency Abortions in Idaho
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a significant development for abortion rights, the Supreme Court has dismissed an abortion case from Idaho, allowing women to receive emergency abortions despite the state’s near-total ban. This decision provides a temporary victory for abortion rights supporters.
The justices did not address the central issue of the case, which involved a federal law requiring hospitals to provide stabilizing treatment to any patient with an “emergency medical condition.” Idaho argued that this federal law cannot override its stringent abortion ban, which includes an exception only for the life—but not the health—of the mother. The Biden administration opposed this view and filed a lawsuit.
In a 6-3 vote, three conservative justices joined all three liberal justices to dismiss the case, deeming it “improvidently granted.” This decision temporarily shields doctors from prosecution if they determine that an abortion is the best treatment for a patient in a medical emergency.
However, the court’s avoidance of the case’s substance leaves the possibility for future challenges to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). Liberal Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson criticized the dismissal, arguing that the court had “shirked its duty to resolve a pressing legal issue.”
“The conflict between state and federal law still exists—in real life,” Justice Jackson stated, referencing Idaho’s strict abortion ban. “There is simply no good reason not to resolve this conflict now.” Her sentiments were echoed by leading abortion rights activists who believe the court’s decision leaves women vulnerable.
In Idaho, abortion is banned throughout pregnancy except in cases of rape, incest, some nonviable pregnancies, and when “necessary to prevent the death of the pregnant woman.” Doctors who violate this law face prison time, hefty fines, and the loss of their medical licenses.
Court documents revealed that 678 Idaho doctors claimed the ban had already harmed women who were denied care while suffering from severe pregnancy complications. Conversely, anti-abortion activists argue that doctors have misinterpreted the law, which they assert allows for life-threatening situations.
The Supreme Court’s decision, while offering temporary relief, does not fully resolve the ongoing conflict between state and federal law regarding abortion rights in Idaho and potentially other states.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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