US Supreme Court considers Idaho's near-total abortion ban and emergency exceptions

Idaho is a prominent state where the challenge to federal abortion rights has led to dramatic situations since 2022. The state's policy in this area has prompted the US Supreme Court to consider access to abortion, with a hearing held on April 24. Idaho is among 14 states that have banned abortion at all stages of pregnancy, except for limited exceptions. The Biden administration argues that even in states where abortion is banned, federal healthcare law requires hospitals to be allowed to terminate pregnancies in rare emergencies. However, Idaho contends its ban has exceptions for life-saving abortions and allowing it in more medical emergencies would turn hospitals into "abortion enclaves."