Supreme Court wrestles with abortion clash over emergency room treatment for pregnant women
The Supreme Court considers whether Idaho's near-total abortion ban conflicts with a federal law aimed at ensuring certain standards for emergency medical care for patients, including pregnant women.
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court appeared divided Wednesday as it grappled with whether provisions of Idaho's near-total abortion ban unlawfully conflict with a federal law aimed at ensuring certain standards for emergency medical care for patients, including pregnant women.
Some conservative justices, who have a 6-3 majority, appeared skeptical about the Biden administration’s lawsuit arguing that the state ban restricts potentially lifesaving treatment for women suffering complications during pregnancy.
Liberal members of the court appeared to back the administration's position.
The justices are weighing an appeal brought by Idaho officials who are contesting a lawsuit the Biden administration filed over abortion access in emergency situations.
Anti-abortion-rights activists, right, confront abortion-rights supporters outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday.Andrew Harnik / Getty ImagesThe state abortion law was enacted in 2020, with a provision stating it would go into effect if the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that found women had a constitutional right to abortion.
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