
CV News Feed // The Supreme Court issued a ruling defending Idaho’s Defense of LIfe Act which bans abortions in almost all cases, the first such ruling in which the high court stands with a wide-scale abortion ban.
On Friday, January 5, the Supreme Court ruled that the Idaho abortion ban may conitnue to be in effect, but said the court will hear an appeal to the case in April.
The Defense of Life Act criminalizes the act of performing an abortion, reading that “every person who performs or attempts to perform an abortion” will be punished in a criminal court.
In 2022, the Biden administration sued the Idaho government on the basis that the law illegally conflicts with the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act.
The administration won, but the Idaho government appealed and the decision has since been working its way through the appeals court process.
However, as the case became caught up in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court intervened and issued the ruling saying that the Idaho Defense of Life Act may continue to be in effect while the Supreme Court hears the appeals for the case.
The court is expected to be presented with the appeal in April.
Pro-life advocates across Idaho praised the Supreme Court’s decision. Leaders with Stanton Healthcare, a pro-life women’s health center in Idaho released statements saying that they applaud the court’s decision.
“As founder of life-affirming women’s medical clinics based in Idaho, we applaud the United States Supreme Court for upholding the Defense of Life Act which protects innocent children from abortion violence and women from abortion abuse. The law also allows for exceptions to save the life of the mother or in cases of rape or incest.” said Brandi Swindell, CEO and Founder of Stanton Healthcare.
Linda Thomas, Stanton’s Director of Community outreach also praised the decision and thanked the Supreme Court for defending life.
“Abortion is not a compassionate solution to an unexpected pregnancy, nor is it the solution women want. At Stanton Healthcare, we have seen a 70% increase in new clients since the Dobbs ruling. While Boise’s Planned Parenthood permanently closed their doors to women in Idaho, Stanton Healthcare has expanded our services for women to ensure they receive exceptional medical care, resources, and support throughout their pregnancy and beyond,” said Thomas.
