American Hospital Association Urges Court to Block Idaho Abortion Ban in Medical Emergencies

The American Hospital Association (AHA), along with two other major healthcare groups, has called on a federal appeals court to block Idaho's near-total abortion ban in cases where doctors deem the procedure necessary to save a woman's life or prevent serious harm. The AHA, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), and America's Essential Hospitals submitted an amicus brief urging the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to prioritize federal law over Idaho's restrictions, highlighting the life-threatening risks posed to patients in emergency situations.

The case centers around Idaho's abortion ban, which was triggered after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Idaho's law includes an exception for cases where the mother's life is at risk, but medical groups argue that the threat of criminal sanctions under the state law interferes with medical judgment and jeopardizes patient care. They claim that the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), which mandates hospitals to provide emergency stabilizing care, should take precedence over the state’s abortion ban.

“Every day, pregnant women arrive at emergency rooms facing grave health emergencies,” the amicus brief stated. “When that happens, doctors and other medical personnel must make split-second decisions about care to prevent death or serious harm. The threat of criminal sanctions interferes with expert medical judgment, chilling even lawful care.”

Idaho is currently barred from enforcing its abortion ban in certain medical emergencies due to a 2022 ruling by a federal judge, who determined that EMTALA preempts state law. However, this decision was reversed by a 9th Circuit panel in September before the full court agreed to hear the case. Oral arguments are set for December, and the U.S. Supreme Court has declined to intervene for now, allowing the lower court ruling to remain in place temporarily.

Anti-abortion groups, including the American Association of Pro-Life OBGYNs, have filed briefs in support of Idaho's law, arguing that it adequately protects maternal health.

In Texas, women have similarly called on federal authorities to investigate hospitals for denying abortion care in cases of non-viable ectopic pregnancies, which are explicitly exempt from that state’s ban. The case in Idaho underscores the legal uncertainty surrounding abortion rights after Roe v. Wade's reversal.