(BOISE, Idaho) — Idaho’s near-total abortion ban appears to run afoul of federal law, according to a federal judge.
Federal law requires Medicare-funded hospitals provide ‘stabilizing treatment,’ meaning doctors are to do whatever is necessary to protect the health of a patient.
Idaho law criminalizes all abortions but allows doctors to defend themselves in Court if the procedure is necessary to save the life of the mother. But Judge B. Lynn Winmill says Idaho’s ban doesn’t account for cases in which the mother would suffer serious medical consequences if the pregnancy were continued.
Washington and 19 other states are suing on those grounds.
A final decision is expected on Wednesday.
