Ninth Circuit Will Hear Critical Case on Emergency Abortion Care in Idaho, Months After U.S. Supreme Court Refused to Tell States They Cannot Ban Abortions in Emergencies

BOISE, ID - Today, at 1:30 p.m. PT, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in a critical case about the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), a long-standing federal law that protects emergency abortion care in hospital emergency rooms. At the heart of the case is whether pregnant patients in Idaho experiencing health- and life-threatening emergencies will continue to receive the stabilizing care they are guaranteed under federal law, including abortion when necessary.

In late June 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed the appeal in the case and allowed it to continue in lower federal courts, refusing to make clear that federal law protects emergency abortion care across the country, even in states with abortion bans. For nearly six months while the Supreme Court considered the case, emergency care was unavailable to patients within the state in hospital ERs. Idaho's largest hospital system reported it had to airlift six patientsfor emergency abortion care out of state.

Statement from Rebecca Gibron, CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai'i, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky:

"Patients in Idaho have already suffered enough under this dangerous and cruel ban. This hearing is a crucial opportunity to make clear that no one should be denied health- and life-saving emergency care because of anti-abortion politics. Lives are on the line, and we will continue to take action against extremist laws that put patients at risk. EMTALA is clear: when someone's health or life is in danger, doctors must be able to provide the care they need, including abortion."

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

"It is unconscionable that pregnant people still face the threat of potentially being denied access to emergency abortion care. The Supreme Court had the opportunity months ago to make the law clear, but it didn't, leading to more confusion and chaos for patients and providers. Planned Parenthood Federation of America will continue to remind everyone what's at stake for our rights with this case."

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Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation's largest provider of sex education. With nearly 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.

Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai'i, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky (PPGNHAIK) is a leading sexual and reproductive health care provider and advocate. The organization operates health centers in Alaska, Hawai'i, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, and Western Washington, providing critical medical services and education to thousands annually. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, PPGNHAIK relies on charitable donations to continue its mission of ensuring health care access for all.