Extreme anti-abortion groups have tried to strip away access to our reproductive freedoms for decades, but in the past two years since Roe v. Wade was overturned, it has escalated in new and uniquely cruel ways.
The latest is a case out of Idaho where politicians passed an extreme ban that violates a federal law requiring no patient be turned away at the emergency room doors – the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (commonly known as “EMTALA”). If Idaho is successful, doctors could be put in prison for providing pregnant patients with necessary abortion care during medical crises.
The Supreme Court is hearing arguments for the case this Wednesday.
Before it all unfolds at the Court, the ACLU is here at the top of the week to give you the 3 big things to know in advance of arguments:
- The impact: If the anti-abortion politicians win, they can force doctors to withhold emergency medical care from pregnant people. It will put people’s health and lives at risk and exacerbate already existing inequities. This is unconscionable when Black women are already 3 to 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, and maternal mortality rates in states with abortion bans are higher than in states without them. Read more.
- Our fight: The ACLU and ACLU of Idaho have filed an amicus brief in this case to protect access to emergency care. Meanwhile, our unique nationwide reach means our advocacy experts are already organizing across the nation – including at the steps of SCOTUS. We’re showing up with doctors and grassroots supporters this Wednesday to rally for emergency abortion care for all. Read more.
- Your part: If you’re in the D.C. metro area, then please join us (and the brave doctors too!) rallying at SCOTUS. You can RSVP here. If you’re not able to attend in person, then please add your name in support virtually – so the Court AND anti-abortion politicians know we, the people, want all reproductive rights to be restored. Take action.
ACLU Supporter, extreme anti-abortion politicians won’t stop, but we won’t either. And we don’t just have the full firepower of the ACLU on our side – we have the power of the people, too.
With you – together – we can and will win for reproductive freedom and all civil liberties.
Until Wednesday,
The ACLU Team
American Civil Liberties Union
125 Broad Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10004, USA