BOISE, ID — The Fourth Judicial District Court has upheld Idaho’s abortion laws, ruling that they are constitutional and do not prevent medical professionals from providing care in life-threatening situations. The case, Adkins v. State of Idaho, challenged the constitutionality of Idaho’s Defense of Life Act.
In its ruling, the court stated that the Idaho Constitution does not include a right to abortion. It also clarified that physicians are not subject to criminal penalties under the law when they act in good faith medical judgment to perform an abortion necessary to prevent a woman’s death, even if her death is not imminent or certain. The court emphasized that any such medical care must, when feasible, be conducted in a manner that gives the unborn child the best chance of survival.
Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s office issued a statement noting the ruling aligns with the state’s interpretation of the law and its application in court proceedings. The Attorney General’s Office indicated it will continue to defend the state’s abortion statutes in legal forums.