BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — The Supreme Court has ruled on Idaho's strict abortion ban law, and they have decided to allow it to stick around.
The Justices have put a hold on a lower court ruling that blocked the Idaho law in hospital emergencies. Arguments will be heard in April on that part of the bill.
The Biden administration argues that hospitals that receive Medicare funds are required by Federal Law to provide emergency care, no matter what state law says.
The president also said the ban is forcing doctors to leave the state because it interferes with caring for patients.
Idaho's law makes it a crime with a prison term of up to five years for anyone who performs or assists in an abortion. A judge in Idaho agreed with the Biden administration's argument. A Texas judge sided with the state.
While the courts continue to hear the finer points and caveats to the ruling, for now at least, Idaho's abortion ban stands as is.
The Idaho Democrat Party Chair Lauren Necochea has issued a statement in light of the Supreme Court's decision.
Idaho’s abortion ban, passed by the Republican-controlled legislature and signed by Governor Brad Little, endangers the lives of pregnant Idahoans and undermines the duty hospitals have to treat and stabilize sick patients. Simply preserving the patient’s health is considered a criminal act. It is unconscionable that the U.S. Supreme Court is now allowing Idaho to block abortion care even in medical emergencies.Necochea reaffirms the IDP's plan to continue fighting the abortion ban.
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador praised the decision.
We are very pleased and encouraged by the Supreme Court’s decision today. The federal government has been wrong from day one. Federal law does not preempt Idaho’s Defense of Life Act. In fact, EMTALA and Idaho’s law share the same goal: to save the lives of all women and their unborn children. Today, the Supreme Court’s decision is a big step in stopping the administration’s lawless overreach. The people of Idaho have spoken with clarity on the issue of life.ncG1vNJzZmihlJa1sLrEsKpnm5%2BifK%2Bx1qxmpaeTlrlwv9SpqZ6llWKwsMHRrWSuqJikuaW%2FjKKbmqCfYq6ju9GtoKimXZeur3nLmq4%3D