Current:Home > StocksSupreme Court will consider when doctors can provide emergency abortions in states with bans-InfoLens
Supreme Court will consider when doctors can provide emergency abortions in states with bans
View Date:2024-12-23 16:31:18
Follow the AP’s live coverage of arguments in the Supreme Court
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court will consider Wednesday when doctors can provide abortions during medical emergencies in states with bans enacted after the high court’s sweeping decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
The case comes from Idaho, which is one of 14 states that now ban abortion at all stages of pregnancy with limited exceptions. It marks the first time the Supreme Court has considered a state ban since Roe was reversed.
The Biden administration argues that even in states where abortion is banned, federal health care law says hospitals must be allowed to terminate pregnancies in rare emergencies where a patient’s life or health is at serious risk.
Idaho contends its ban has exceptions for life-saving abortions but allowing it in more medical emergencies would turn hospitals into “abortion enclaves.” The state argues the administration is misusing a health care law that is meant to ensure patients aren’t turned away based on their ability to pay.
The Supreme Court has allowed the Idaho law to go into effect, even during emergencies, as the case played out.
Doctors have said Idaho’s abortion ban has already affected emergency care. More women whose conditions are typically treated with abortions must now be flown out of state for care, since doctors must wait until they are close to death to provide abortions within the bounds of state law.
Meanwhile, complaints of pregnant women being turned away from U.S. emergency rooms spiked after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, according to federal documents obtained by The Associated Press.
Anti-abortion groups blame doctors for mishandling maternal emergency cases. Idaho argues the Biden administration overstates health care woes to undermine state abortion laws.
The justices also heard another abortion case this term seeking to restrict access to abortion medication. It remains pending, though the justices overall seemed skeptical of the push.
The Justice Department originally brought the case against Idaho, arguing the state’s abortion law conflicts with the 1986 Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, known as EMTALA. It requires hospitals that accept Medicare to provide emergency care to any patient regardless of their ability to pay. Nearly all hospitals accept Medicare.
A federal judge initially sided with the administration and ruled that abortions were legal in medical emergencies. After the state appealed, the Supreme Court allowed the law to go fully into effect in January.
The Supreme Court is expected to rule by the end of June.
veryGood! (53794)
Related
- Artem Chigvintsev Returns to Dancing With the Stars Ballroom Amid Nikki Garcia Divorce
- How Jesse McCartney Managed to Avoid the Stereotypical Child Star Downfall
- When does 'American Horror Story: Delicate' Part 2 come out? How to watch new episodes
- Louie the raccoon from Florida named 2024 Cadbury Bunny, will soon make TV debut
- Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open on Veterans Day? Here's what to know
- New Mexico regulators worry about US plans to ship radioactive waste back from Texas
- Diddy investigated for sex trafficking: A timeline of allegations and the rapper's life, career
- Lego moves to stop police from using toy's emojis to cover suspects faces on social media
- Opinion: Chris Wallace leaves CNN to go 'where the action' is. Why it matters
- Bird flu is spreading in a few states. Keeping your bird feeders clean can help
Ranking
- Here's Your First Look at The White Lotus Season 3 With Blackpink’s Lisa and More Stars
- WWII ace pilot Richard Bong's plane crashed in 1944. A team has launched a search for the wreckage in the South Pacific.
- Waiting on your tax refund? Here's why your return may be taking longer this year
- North Carolina elections board finalizes results from primary marked by new voter ID rules
- Keke Palmer Says Ryan Murphy “Ripped” Into Her Over Scream Queens Schedule
- Influencer Jackie Miller James Shares Aphasia Diagnosis 10 Months After Aneurysm Rupture
- What we know about the condition of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge and how this sort of collapse could happen
- Sean Diddy Combs' LA and Miami homes raided by law enforcement, officials say
Recommendation
-
Melissa Gilbert recalls 'painful' final moment with 'Little House' co-star Michael Landon
-
DJT had a good first day: Trump's Truth Social media stock price saw rapid rise
-
How Jesse McCartney Managed to Avoid the Stereotypical Child Star Downfall
-
The Louisiana Legislature opened a window for them to sue; the state’s highest court closed it.
-
College Football Playoff bracket: Complete playoff picture after latest rankings
-
When does 'American Horror Story: Delicate' Part 2 come out? How to watch new episodes
-
Texas’ migrant arrest law is on hold for now under latest court ruling
-
How to watch surprise 5th episode of 'Quiet on Set' featuring Drake Bell and other stars