OPINION: A year without Roe

On June 24, one year ago, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution of the United States does not confer a right to abortion.

Then, in August, the Idaho Legislature took the Supreme Court ruling to extremes. Idaho legislators declared that doctors who performed anything akin to abortion were criminals. The punishment is no less than two years in prison. Their license will be suspended for at least six months on the first offense, and permanently on the second.

Still not satisfied, they took it a step further.

Helping a pregnant minor get an abortion, whether through medication or a procedure, in another state is punishable by two to five years in prison. Idaho laws contain near-unworkable exceptions for victims of rape and incest. Idaho allows the rapist’s family members to sue for cash awards and our state has zero exceptions for some of the most serious pregnancy complications. Lawmakers actually carved out specific language that addresses women so traumatized that they are considering suicide. “No abortion shall be deemed necessary to prevent the death of the pregnant woman because the physician believes that the woman may or will take action to harm herself.” (Idaho Code 18-622.5).

Imagine knowing that a woman might be considering self-harm or suicide because of the trauma of pregnancy that follows rape, incest or abandonment. And still, making specific laws to criminalize her quest for an abortion.

Idaho lawmakers imagined that exact scenario, and passed a law that scoffed at it.

With these laws, Idaho claimed the title of America’s least compassionate and most litigious state for both mothers and OB/GYNS.

We’ve seen the consequences of this unenviable distinction.

Doctors are fleeing the state.

A robust and academically sound survey by Dr. Lauren Miller, who practices maternal fetal medicine and leads the Idaho Coalition for Safe Reproductive Health Care, offered a grim picture. When asked, “Are you considering relocating out-of-state in the next year?” more than half of the physician respondents said yes. When asked, “Are Idaho’s restrictive abortion laws contributing to your consideration of leaving medical practice in Idaho?” only two doctors said no.

Sadly, this ended up being more than just an academic exercise. Doctors did leave. Women living north of Coeur d’Alene can no longer find labor and delivery care anywhere between Kalispell, Mont., and Spokane.

If the GOP intent was to promote families and protect life, it backfired horrifically.

Data on insurance claims from Komodo Health, a health care technology company, shows that in the second half of 2022 vasectomy rates across America were far higher than in previous years. Accounting for previous trends, The Economist calculates that the Dobbs ruling was associated with a 17% increase in procedures in the six months after the ruling, and a 29% increase between July and September.

The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries. Abortion care that is denied or delayed results in more mid-term and improperly performed illegal abortions. The number of abortion-related complications, including hemorrhages and infections, has risen. We will just continue to see more maternal hospitalizations and deaths. (WHO Key Facts, November 2021)

One year later, Idaho is both dangerous for pregnant women and morally bankrupt on the issue of reproductive rights.

Democrats will continue to fight for women’s reproductive rights. Saturday, Democrats from across the state rallied on the state Capitol steps and shared stories of resilience and power.

One year later, North Idaho Democrats must also recommit themselves to fighting for women’s rights.

We must, at least, show compassion for women and the children they will have to bear. Idaho must expand educational opportunities and job training for single mothers. Idaho must expand financial support and health care for dependent children. Idaho must create, staff and fund robust support systems for battered women. And Idaho must expand and formalize sex education throughout public and private schools.

On a personal level, Idahoans must recommit themselves to offering emotional and educational support to any friend or loved one who needs an abortion. Idaho adults must teach young people about effective birth control and the physical, legal, emotional and moral responsibilities connected with sexual intercourse.

Finally, we must elect people who care more about real human beings than attaining the title of “Most Restrictive Abortion State.”

Idaho Democrats will never stop fighting for elected representatives who show compassion, who fight for women’s rights, and who work for a more perfect union.

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Evan Koch is chairman of the Kootenai County Democrats.