For nearly 50 years, abortion laws across the country were shaped by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade. That changed in June 2022, when the Court overturned Roe in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Because Idaho had previously passed a “trigger law,” the state’s abortion ban automatically took effect shortly afterward.

Today, Idaho has one of the most extreme abortion bans in the country. Under state law, doctors who violate the law can face felony charges and loss of their medical license. The law includes narrow exceptions, but medical providers say the language is difficult to interpret in emergency situations.

Sources:

• Idaho Code §18-622 (Idaho Abortion Ban)

• Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (U.S. Supreme Court, 2022)

Many people think abortion only happens when someone does not want to be pregnant. In reality, abortion can also become necessary medical care during wanted pregnancies.

Serious complications can arise suddenly, including severe fetal abnormalities, miscarriages, or life-threatening conditions affecting the expectant mother. In some cases, ending a pregnancy may be the safest medical option to protect a woman’s life, health, or future fertility.

Sources:

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

• Mayo Clinic – Pregnancy complications

Under Idaho law, performing an abortion—or even speaking to patients about abortion-affiliated care—is a felony offense. Doctors and other members of the care team who violate the law may face criminal prosecution, loss of their medical license, and other penalties.

 Many medical providers say the law creates uncertainty during emergencies, when they must quickly determine whether a patient’s condition meets the legal standard for intervention.

Medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have expressed concern that laws written in legal language may be difficult to apply in fast-moving medical situations.

Sources:

• Idaho Code §18-622
  

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists policy statements

Healthcare systems are interconnected. When specialists leave a state or hospitals struggle to recruit new providers, access to care can become more limited—even for those who aren’t looking for pregnancy care.

In Idaho, hospitals and clinics have reported difficulty recruiting providers since the ban took effect. Several hospitals have also closed labor and delivery units in recent years, citing staffing challenges and financial pressures.

When services close or specialists are unavailable, patients may need to travel farther to receive care.

Sources:

• Idaho Capital Sun reporting on OB-GYN departures
  

• Idaho Department of Health and Welfare – healthcare workforce data

Yes. Healthcare shortages can affect many types of patients.

 Doctors, nurses, and specialists often move or train together. When providers leave a state, it can affect the availability of many types of medical services—not just pregnancy care.

 Patients may experience longer wait times, fewer specialists, or longer travel distances for treatment.

Sources:

• Association of American Medical Colleges – Physician workforce shortages
  

• Idaho Rural Health Association

Public policy can sometimes feel abstract.

 Our Idaho Stories exists to share the real experiences of families and medical providers navigating Idaho’s healthcare system today. By listening to one another’s stories, communities can better understand the challenges families face and the realities doctors encounter in providing care.

Our Idaho Stories invites Idahoans to learn more about the law, the healthcare system, and the real experiences of families across the state, and access medical and legal resources.

If you or someone you know has experienced challenges related to pregnancy care, miscarriage, or access to healthcare in Idaho we invite you to share your story. Personal experiences can help others better understand how women and families are at risk in Idaho.