Supreme Court hears more abortion arguments concerning Idaho near-total ban

WASHINGTON, D.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Demonstrators crowded the U.S. Supreme Court steps Wednesday as justices heard more abortion arguments.

They’re split on whether the Idaho’s near-total abortion ban unlawfully conflicts with a federal law that makes sure certain standards for emergency medical care for patients including pregnant women are taken.

It’s known as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act or EMTALA.

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to let Arizona doctors provide abortions in California

The Idaho state law says anyone who performs an abortion is subject to criminal penalties and loss of their license.

“We have a solid law. It has held the exceptions already. It has rape exceptions already. It is a strong, solid law,” says Brandi Swindell, CEO and founder of Stanton Health Care, a life-affirming medical center. “The Biden administration suing the state of Idaho is a sneaky attempt to go against the wishes of the people of Idaho.”

The 1986 federal law requires patients to receive appropriate emergency room care. The Biden administration argues that care should include abortions in certain situations.

“We’re talking about women’s lives here,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. “And being able to make those all-important decisions on their health care. We’ve been consistent about that. We’re going to continue that fight.”

A recent Harvard youth poll reported women’s reproductive rights were an important issue to 50 percent of young people between the ages of 18-29 — with inflation and health care leading the poll with more than 58 percent.

On Monday, the Biden administration finalized a new rule shielding the medical records of women who travel across state lines for a legal abortion from criminal investigations. In North Carolina, abortion is legal during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions beyond that.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.