Stein backs Biden administration lawsuit against Idaho

(The Center Square) – Emergencies that lead medical professionals to recommend abortion as the best option is being supported no matter a state's laws by North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein.

The U.S. Supreme Court this month is expected to hear arguments in two consolidated cases involving Idaho hospitals and providing emergency abortion care through the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act. A ruling could come this summer.

The Biden administration sued Idaho, where it is a crime with a prison term of up to five years for anyone assisting or performing an abortion. EMTALA, as the federal act is known by its acronym, doesn’t say anything about abortion, Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador has told the high court.

A preliminary injunction requires the Idaho hospitals to provide abortion care through EMTALA.

“If a woman’s life or health is at risk, it’s imperative that she get the emergency medical care she needs,” Stein said in a release. “Abortion care is medical care, and hospitals must continue to provide it.”

Stein is a candidate for governor in North Carolina. Last month, he won the primary for Democrats, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson won the Republican primary, and Mike Ross won the Libertarian primary. The Green Party’s Wayne Turner is the fourth name on the ballot.

Attorneys general from 22 other states, and the District of Columbia’s lead prosecutor, also acted with Stein the amicus brief filing.

Laws on abortion were returned to the states in June 2022 when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade .