Statement on the Importance of EMTALA for Young Pregnant People 

Kimberly Inez McGuire, Executive Director of URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity, released the following statement after the Trump administration moved to dismiss a federal lawsuit challenging Idaho’s near-total abortion ban, which had been filed by the previous administration, arguing that it conflicted with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), a federal law mandating that hospitals provide necessary emergency medical care, including abortions when required to stabilize a patient’s condition: 

“With this decision, President Trump will allow young people to suffer, lose their fertility, and potentially their lives due to pregnancy complications. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) is a critical safeguard for young pregnant people, ensuring they receive emergency, lifesaving medical care—including abortion—regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Pregnancy complications can arise unexpectedly, and for young people—many of whom may lack stable healthcare coverage—denial of emergency care could have devastating consequences. As a woman who has experienced miscarriage and a life-threatening pregnancy, I know these risks all too well. 

“In Idaho, Texas, and other states with restrictive abortion laws, young pregnant people have already been turned away by emergency room providers who fear violating state policies, with deadly consequences. Enforcing EMTALA is essential to ensuring that all young pregnant people receive the urgent care they need when they need it most. Protecting this law saves lives.”