The Trump administration has decided to drop a lawsuit regarding Idaho’s strict abortion ban. The lawsuit was originally filed by the Biden administration, arguing that emergency-room doctors should be allowed to provide abortions in life-threatening situations. However, the Justice Department has now requested to dismiss the case, allowing Idaho to fully enforce its abortion law, even in emergencies.
The Court’s Reaction
A federal judge quickly blocked Idaho from enforcing the ban after doctors warned that it could put women’s lives at risk. The judge, B. Lynn Winmill, expressed concern over the Justice Department’s sudden decision, calling it a “ticking time bomb” for hospitals in Idaho.
The Biden administration previously argued that hospitals must provide emergency abortions when necessary to stabilize patients, but Idaho insists that its law already allows life-saving abortions. Doctors, however, say the law is unclear in fast-moving medical emergencies.
Doctors and Hospitals Speak Out
Doctors in Idaho say they struggle to determine if a patient’s condition is fatal under the law, which creates confusion. St. Luke’s Health System, Idaho’s largest hospital network, reported that between January and April 2024, it had to airlift six women out of state for emergency care due to the ban. In contrast, only one such case was recorded in 2023.
“These women wanted to have their babies, but they faced serious health emergencies,” said Lindsay Harrison, a lawyer for St. Luke’s.
Idaho’s Argument
The Idaho Deputy Attorney General, Brian Church, defended the law, arguing that since all transferred patients received care, there was no conflict between federal law and Idaho’s abortion ban. However, Judge Winmill questioned whether lawyers should override doctors’ medical expertise.
Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, many Republican-led states have passed strict abortion bans. Currently, 12 states have total abortion bans with limited exceptions, while four states prohibit abortions at around six weeks of pregnancy.
Reactions to the Decision
Supporters of the Idaho ban, like Kelsey Pritchard from Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, called the dismissal a “big win for unborn children.” Meanwhile, Brittany Fonteno, CEO of the National Abortion Federation, said the decision was “outrageous” and harmful to women nationwide.
Doctors warn that certain pregnancy complications, like severe bleeding, preeclampsia, or organ failure, sometimes require abortion to save a woman’s life. Without clear legal protections, they fear more women will suffer delays in critical care.
