Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Top News
Top News
Politics

Supreme Court Debates Idaho Abortion Ban In Medical Emergencies

U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in Idaho's strict abortion ban

The Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments regarding the enforcement of Idaho's abortion ban in cases of medical emergencies, shedding light on a contentious issue following the aftermath of Roe v. Wade's overturn.

Key Takeaways from the Hearing:

The US Solicitor General tailored her appeal to the abortion-hostile court, emphasizing the 'narrow' circumstances of medical emergencies. She highlighted the conflict between Idaho's law and the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), clarifying that the administration's stance does not aim to impede Idaho's ability to criminalize abortions outside of specific medical emergencies.

Idaho and its supporters argued that the Biden administration seeks to bypass the Supreme Court's 2022 ruling allowing states to prohibit abortion. In response, the Solicitor General portrayed Idaho as an outlier among states with abortion bans.

Conflict highlighted between Idaho law and federal EMTALA
US Solicitor General tailored appeal to abortion-hostile court
Biden administration aims to uphold Supreme Court's 2022 ruling

The conservative justices expressed skepticism towards Prelogar's argument, while Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett posed insightful questions to both sides. The liberal wing of the court indicated support for the Biden administration.

Idaho's attorney faced challenging inquiries from female justices regarding severe pregnancy complications. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan questioned the absence of federal laws preventing states from restricting abortions even in life-threatening situations, pressing the attorney on scenarios where a woman's health is jeopardized.

Justice Kagan presented a hypothetical scenario involving a woman facing the loss of reproductive organs due to pregnancy complications, urging the attorney to address the implications of federal law on such critical situations.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.