Idaho physicians spotlighted in production
Actors rehearse for a production of "Good Faith Medical Judgment: Physicians Speak," in Bonners Ferry in April. Courtesy of Suzanne Gallus
A production titled “Good Faith Medical Judgment: Idaho Physicians Speak” is coming to Coeur d’Alene at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Lake City Center.
This documentary-style production, presented by The Pro-Voice Project, allows audiences to hear testimonies from Idaho reproductive health care providers about their experiences practicing under Idaho’s current abortion laws, which are among the strictest in the country.
“They’re very human stories,” said director Brandi Mayes. “It’s a very full-spectrum perspective of how our laws are affecting people.”
The show draws on a study last year by The JAMA Network Open that found Idaho lost 35% of its OB/GYNs between 2022 and 2024, following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Actors will perform physician testimonies in monologue style. Mayes will perform as a narrator.
The performance will be followed by a Q&A panel featuring attorney Lee Tremblay, retired nurse and midwife Cynthia Dalsing and volunteers Suzanne Gallus and Randi Lui.
“People often want to have more clarity on what the laws actually allow,” said Pro-Voice Project President Jen Jackson Quintano. “Most people aren’t reading statutes and court proceedings.”
Quintano said Tremblay will speak on misconceptions about Idaho’s abortion restrictions. She said she also anticipates many questions about Proposition 1 as election season approaches.
“The timing seemed very important,” said Quintano. “We’re not lobbying, we’re educating people and sparking conversation, right before people have a voice on this issue.”
Mayes described the medium as “narrative advocacy.” She hopes audiences will view this performance as an opportunity to learn, listen, and start conversations.
“One of the easiest and most dangerous things we can do is assume we understand another person’s experience when it comes to pregnancy and health care,” Mayes said. “One of the most powerful things we can do is listen.”
Tickets are pay-what-you-can, but you must reserve online in advance at zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/good-faith-medical-judgement-idaho-physicians-speak.