St. Luke’s Health System, LTD. v. Labrador

Why this Matters 

A large health system in Idaho alleges that it cannot comply with an Idaho law prohibiting abortions unless necessary to save the life of the mother because the state law is preempted by the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). Ensuring that clinicians provide abortion services when required to stabilize a patient in a medical emergency situation enables patients to receive necessary life-saving care.

Potential Impact 

Preventing women from accessing stabilizing care in emergency situations, if that care requires an abortion, will put the health and safety of pregnant women in jeopardy.