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Director of Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Appointed by Governor Brad Little

Boise, Idaho – Idaho Governor Brad Little has appointed Alex Adams, his current budget chief, to lead the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, addressing key issues within the agency. Adams, who has been serving as Little’s budget chief since 2019, will now oversee critical matters such as child care grants, a needle exchange program, Medicaid budget concerns, and the state’s involvement in a health data sharing service. With a background in various leadership roles, …

Emergency Abortions Surge in Idaho Prompting Controversy Over State Ban

Boise, Idaho – The Supreme Court case examining Idaho’s strict abortion ban has ignited controversy as hospital administrators report a surge in emergency flights out of state for pregnancy terminations. St. Luke’s Health System noted a significant increase in the number of patients requiring urgent care outside of Idaho following the reinstatement of the ban earlier this year. The ban, which allows for pregnancy terminations only to save the life of the mother, has sparked …

Federal Law vs State Bans: Idaho Abortion Case Raises Questions on Emergency Care Mandate

Boise, Idaho – The ongoing legal battle between the Biden administration and the state of Idaho raises important questions surrounding federal emergency care laws and state abortion bans. At the heart of the debate is whether federal law trumps state regulations that severely restrict access to abortion services. Idaho’s abortion ban, known as one of the most stringent in the country, only allows for exceptions to save the life of the pregnant patient. Just weeks …

Emergency Abortion Doctors Face Legal Catch-22 in Idaho Amid Supreme Court Case

Dr. Lauren Miller, a fetal maternal medicine specialist in Idaho, found herself in a difficult position due to the state’s strict abortion ban. Unable to provide abortions except in life-threatening situations, Miller faced the heartbreaking task of turning away patients in medical emergencies, who did not meet the criteria for the limited exceptions. The situation left her feeling powerless, unable to provide the same level of care as before the ban. For a brief period, …

Doctor Shortage Crisis: Idaho Losing Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists Amid Abortion Law Confusion

BOISE, IDAHO – The state of Idaho is facing a significant shortage of doctors specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. At a recent presentation at the Idaho State Capitol Building, medical leaders highlighted the challenges caused by a lack of clarity around practicing medicine under Idaho’s strict abortion laws. With a ban that only allows abortion when the mother’s life is at risk and not for health reasons, doctors are finding themselves in a difficult position. …

Inmate Breakout: Suspect Shoots Three Idaho Officers in Bold Hospital Escape

BOISE, Idaho – In a daring overnight attack aimed at freeing a prison inmate, three correctional officers were shot by a suspect in Boise, Idaho. The officers were taken to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center for treatment after the incident. The suspects, including Skylar Meade, escaped in a gray sedan with Idaho plates. Meade, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2017 for shooting at a sheriff’s sergeant, was being taken back to …

Bill to Ban Public Funds for Gender-Affirming Care Faces Vote in Idaho Legislature

Boise, Idaho – Idaho lawmakers are gearing up to vote on a contentious bill this week that would prohibit the use of any public funds for gender-affirming care, encompassing services for state employees utilizing workplace health insurance and for adults under Medicaid coverage. The proposed legislation garnered the approval of the House and awaits a majority Republican Senate green light before heading to Governor Brad Little’s desk for anticipated endorsement. Governor Little has consistently voiced …

BILL BANNING PUBLIC FUNDS FOR GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE ADVANCES IN IDAHO HOUSE

BOISE, Idaho – A bill aiming to prohibit the use of public funds for gender-affirming medications and surgeries for adults and children in Idaho has advanced to the Idaho House floor. House Bill 668 specifically targets the coverage of gender-affirming care by public funds, referencing definitions outlined in Idaho’s existing ban on such treatments for minors. The proposed ban would impact Idaho’s Medicaid program, which provides coverage for approximately 300,000 low-income and disabled individuals in …