Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments in critical emergency abortion access case

The Court's decision will determine the future of emergency abortion care under federal law, impacting vulnerable populations across the United States

Reno, NV. — Today, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments in the pivotal cases of Idaho v. United States and Moyle v. United States. These cases question whether abortion care can be legally differentiated and excluded from the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), a federal law that mandates stabilizing treatment for all patients experiencing emergency medical conditions. This hearing is a crucial moment in the ongoing battle for reproductive rights and could set a dangerous precedent for a state’s ability to deny life-saving emergency abortion care nationwide.

The Court is deciding if the state of Idaho's actions, among others, to limit abortion access even in emergencies, aligns with or violates EMTALA's nearly 40-year-old mandate ensuring all patients receive necessary emergency medical care. The implications of this decision are far-reaching, with the potential to undermine federal protections for emergency medical care and further escalate the reproductive health crisis initiated by the reversal of Roe nearly two years ago. A ruling is expected in June 2024. 

Statement of Lindsey Harmon, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Votes Nevada: 

"For the second time in a month, Nevadans are reminded how the once federally protected right to abortion is constantly under threat across state legislatures and at the Supreme Court. The cruelty of refusing emergency abortion care in Idaho where current abortion restrictions have the potential to increase the need for emergency abortion care is unbelievable, inhumane, yet unsurprising. 

These extreme attacks show just how far anti-abortion politicians will go to restrict abortion care and highlights the necessity of electing unwavering advocates and champions for our reproductive freedoms here at home. As a neighboring state to Idaho, Arizona, and Utah we recognize the importance and responsibility of ensuring that in our state – no politician will dictate a person’s ability to make their own health care decisions.”

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Planned Parenthood Votes Nevada is a statewide non-partisan, 501 (c) 4 non-profit organization that advocates and educates on issues of reproductive health care, with special consideration for advancing equitable access to abortion in an effort to empower all Nevadans, no matter income, race, gender, sexuality or immigration status to maintain and expand access to quality health care