On April 24, the same ultraconservative U.S. Supreme Court majority that overturned Roe v. Wade will decide whether states with near-total abortion bans can criminalize emergency medical providers for performing lifesaving abortions.

Idaho v. United States challenges Idaho’s restrictive abortion ban, which directly conflicts with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). 

EMTALA is a federal law that mandates doctors treat patients who need emergency care, which can include abortions in some specific medical emergencies. Criminalizing emergency room doctors for providing necessary, lifesaving abortions for their patients is directly in conflict with federal law.

This case started in Idaho, which is already in the midst of a maternal health crisis. Idaho’s near-total abortion ban has caused multiple maternity wards to shut down and caused an exodus of OB-GYNs, highlighting a simple truth: Idaho is an unsafe place for pregnant women. 

This ruling could threaten the lives of countless pregnant women in Idaho and have far-reaching implications for other states, even states where voters have fought to ensure abortion stays legal.

Idaho v. United States highlights the mess the Supreme Court has made since overturning Roe v. Wade. Vulnerable pregnant women and their providers will continue to bear the consequences of their decision to eradicate legal precedent and the constitutional right to an abortion.