Idaho's Democratic Party Chair has raised concerns about the state's ability to retain medical talent in maternal care despite a recent Supreme Court ruling ensuring emergency abortion care. According to the Chair, Idaho has experienced a significant decline in healthcare professionals specializing in maternal care, with nearly a quarter of OBGYNs, over half of maternal and fetal medicine specialists, and three labor and delivery wards being lost.
The President of the Idaho Coalition for Safe Healthcare echoed these concerns, stating that the state's health care system is facing a crisis, particularly with over 20% of obstetricians in Idaho ceasing their practice. Dr. Caitlin Gustafson, a family physician with over two decades of experience in rural Idaho, highlighted the challenges faced by healthcare providers in the state.
