Planned Parenthood of Illinois responds to Supreme Court allowing emergency abortions in Idaho for now

(WAND) - Planned Parenthood of Illinois has responded to the U.S. Supreme Court allowing emergency abortions in Idaho.

The Supreme Court on Thursday sidestepped a ruling on whether Idaho's strict abortion law conflicts with a federal law that requires stabilizing care for emergency room patients, including pregnant women suffering complications who may require abortions.

The court dismissed an appeal brought by Idaho officials, meaning a lower court ruling that allows doctors in the state to perform abortions in emergency situations remains in effect for now.

The decision has no impact in any other state.

Planned Parenthood said in a statement, "The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) has protected people's right to access emergency medical care including abortion for over 40 years. EMTALA has protected people’s right to access emergency abortion care in states where abortion is banned."

Jennifer Welch, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois said, “Today, the U.S. Supreme Court decided to continue the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) which has protected people’s right to access emergency abortion for over 40 years. While this decision temporarily allows people to access emergency abortion care, this case will continue in the lower courts and may jeopardize the health and safety of patients across our country.

In Illinois, the General Assembly passed an Illinois Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) which protects people’s right to access emergency reproductive care regardless of what happens at the federal level. Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) is heartbroken that people living in abortion deserts facing complications in their pregnancy may still be forced to endure unnecessary pain and health complications.

Since Roe was overturned on June 24, 2022, PPIL has seen patients from 41 different states forced to travel to Illinois for abortion care. Our doors are open to provide essential reproductive care including abortion to everyone regardless of their zip code. We continue to fight for everyone to access the health care they need and deserve.”