Women's Issues Network - The Leaked SCOTUS Abortion Ruling Is a Victory

The Leaked SCOTUS Abortion Ruling Is a Victory—Or Is It?
By: Becky W, WIN Member

This past spring, the U.S. Supreme Court accidentally released its ruling on Moyle v. United States, seemingly approving emergency abortions in Idaho—a state with a total abortion ban. However, the justices later back-pedaled and kicked their decision down to a lower court for a final ruling. This was done purely for political reasons. As the majority of the justices are Republican, they did not want to dissuade far right voters from voting for GOP candidates in November.

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) was originally signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1986. Since the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion, President Joe Biden has repeatedly reminded hospitals that his administration considers an abortion part of the stabilizing care that EMTALA requires facilities to provide. It requires that Emergency Rooms across the U.S. perform lifesaving care procedures for critical patients—including abortions.

Idaho challenged the ruling by claiming they did meet the criteria for EMTALA because they tried to save the life of the fetus, too. As a result of their “doing the right thing,” instances of pregnant women being air-flighted from Idaho to another state for a life-saving abortion have been reported. Time in transit further delays treatment and endangers the mother's life.

Naturally, the Idaho State Attorney responded to these reports by declaring that doctors had “made up” the care flight stories in order to make a political statement.

To read a thorough examination of this issue, click on the link below:

Why the Leaked SCOTUS Ruling Isn't a Victory -The Court will allow emergency abortions, but it's not a win - author Jessica Valenti

“Believing women sounds simple. But in a world where women are routinely dismissed when they speak up, something as basic as trusting us can be revolutionary.”
~ Jessica Valenti

This past spring, the U.S. Supreme Court accidentally released its ruling on Moyle v. United States, seemingly approving emergency abortions in Idaho—a state with a total abortion ban. However, the justices later back-pedaled and kicked their decision down to a lower court for a final ruling. This was done purely for political reasons. As the majority of the justices are Republican, they did not want to dissuade far right voters from voting for GOP candidates in November.

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) was enacted by President Biden after Roe was overturned. It requires that Emergency Rooms across the U.S. perform lifesaving care procedures for critical patients—including abortions.

Idaho challenged the ruling by claiming they did meet the criteria for EMTALA because they tried to save the life of the fetus, too. As a result of their “doing the right thing,” instances of pregnant women being air-flighted from Idaho to another state for a life-saving abortion have been reported. Time in transit further delays treatment and endangers the mother's life.

Naturally, the Idaho State Attorney responded to these reports by declaring that doctors had “made up” the care flight stories in order to make a political statement.

To read a thorough examination of this issue, click on the link below:

The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) was originally signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1986. Since the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion, President Joe Biden has repeatedly reminded hospitals that his administration considers an abortion part of the stabilizing care that EMTALA requires facilities to provide.