NWLC Responds to DOJ Dropping Lawsuit Over Emergency Abortion Care

According to a court filing today, the Department of Justice plans to dismiss its lawsuit against Idaho over the right to emergency abortion care, effectively abandoning the fight to enforce a health- and life-saving federal law in the state.

Fatima Goss Graves, CEO and president of the National Women’s Law Center, issued the following statement in response:

“The Trump administration’s decision to allow Idaho to enforce its dangerous abortion ban, even in medical emergencies, is devastating. Make no mistake, this decision will endanger lives, adding to confusion in emergency rooms and forcing doctors to stand by while patients suffer.

No one should have to wait until they are at death’s door to receive the emergency care they need. Under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, (EMTALA), anyone experiencing an emergency medical condition has the right to stabilizing care — including abortion. By walking away from this case, the Department of Justice is sending a chilling message to pregnant people across the country: your health, your safety, and your lives are not a priority.

Despite this decision, EMTALA remains federal law. Idaho’s largest health care provider, St. Luke’s, has filed its own lawsuit to continue the fight that the administration dangerously abandoned today. NWLC will continue working alongside our partners to challenge cruel abortion bans like the one in Idaho and ensure that everyone can access the healthcare they need — without delay, without political interference, and without fear.”