Planned Parenthood Statement on Idaho Supreme Court Ruling

BOISE, ID — This afternoon, the Idaho Supreme Court ruled against Planned Parenthood and in favor of the state’s abortion bans and civil enforcement mechanism. Idaho’s abortion bans have been in effect since August, forcing Idahoans who need abortion care to leave the state in order to access basic health care, a reality that is out of reach for many.

The consequences of this decision will fall largely on people who already face the greatest barriers to health care due to this country’s legacy of racism and discrimination, including Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities, people with low incomes, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, and people living in rural areas.

“This is a dark day for the state of Idaho, but our fight is far from over,” said Rebecca Gibron, CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai‘i, Indiana, Kentucky. “Planned Parenthood will never back down. We will keep fighting with everything we’ve got to restore Idahoans’ right to control our bodies and our lives. No matter what happens, Planned Parenthood is here for you. Our doors are open in Idaho, and our teams are ready to help you get the care you need, even if that means traveling out of state.”

In the less than six months since the ban went into effect, Idahoans have already seen the devastating impacts of these laws including some being denied care following miscarriages by doctors who fear legal retaliation.

Today’s decision also comes the same week that the FDA decided to allow retail and mail-order pharmacies to dispense mifepristone, the first pill in the two-pill medication abortion regimen. While abortion is banned in Idaho and pharmacies in Idaho are unlikely to carry the medication, this change is an important step for Idahoans, because it will make it easier to access out-of-state abortion care by traveling to neighboring states like Washington or Oregon and filling prescriptions at pharmacies.

Planned Parenthood is committed to helping Idahoans get the care they need. Anyone who needs care should go to abortionfinder.org or call 1-800-230-7526. Patient navigators are ready to help.