Team—

While the Trump administration sows chaos at the national level, critical state-level battles continue for reproductive rights. A groundbreaking fight is unfolding as a hospital system sues their state to protect patients' access to emergency abortion care for the first time ever.

St. Luke's Health System, Idaho's largest healthcare provider, has filed a landmark lawsuit against the state Attorney General to challenge Idaho's total abortion ban.

Their argument? The abortion restrictions conflict with federal law requiring emergency medical care (EMTALA)—a similar argument the Center for Reproductive Rights brought to trial last November in Adkins, et al. v. State of Idaho.

The human cost of Idaho's ban is staggering:

• Idaho's abortion ban threatens doctors with 2-5 years in prison for providing abortion care, with no clear exceptions for protecting a patient’s health.
• St. Lukes reports the abortion ban "makes it impossible to provide the highest standard of care in some of the most heartbreaking situations."
• Pregnant people in Idaho are facing obstetric deserts, with some patients having to travel more than 100 miles away to safely give birth.

This case could create a powerful precedent for healthcare providers nationwide to challenge dangerous abortion restrictions. St. Luke's lawsuit offers new hope for protecting both patients and physicians.

The Center is ready to fight for reproductive rights across the country and around the world. Don't forget to renew your support right now—your commitment today strengthens our ability to challenge these deadly restrictions wherever they arise.

Onward!

Nancy Northup
President & CEO