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.