As the president of the Idaho Academy of Family Physicians, I’m compelled to address a pressing issue that impacts the health and safety of mothers in our state: the urgent need for a health exception to Idaho’s abortion bans.
Idaho law bans abortion with limited medical exceptions and places significant constraints on routine obstetric care. The law doesn’t consider the risks associated with pregnancy. While many pregnancies are uncomplicated, not all are routine. Conditions such as premature rupture of membranes, severe preeclampsia and placental abruption can unexpectedly endanger the life of the mother and baby. In these cases, timely medical intervention is critical. Left untreated these conditions lead to lifelong health problems for the mother, including the inability to have children.
Idaho’s maternal mortality rate has been rising for years, more than doubling rates seen in other states and developed countries. According to the latest data, Idaho’s rate stands at 40.1 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, a statistic that highlights the urgent need for better maternal healthcare policies.
Four women challenge Idaho’s abortion ban in court
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The landscape of obstetric services in Idaho has shifted dramatically, particularly in rural communities. Many Idaho counties have lost access to OB/GYN services, leaving vast areas without surgical care for emergencies. The consequences are severe: families face long journeys to receive care that may come too late. We need policies that prioritize the health and safety of mothers, rather than restricting options.
As a family physician that practices obstetrics, I’ve trained for years and delivered babies to families across the state. In a medical emergency, I rely on my medical training, experience and patient autonomy. Politicians have no place in a room where a health care team is working to keep pregnancy safe for the mother.
To address this issue, the organization I lead, the Idaho Academy of Family Physicians, joined patients and other doctors as plaintiffs in a legal challenge to Idaho’s abortion bans, Adkins v. State of Idaho, represented by the Center for Reproductive Rights. A two-week trial concluded last month, and a ruling is expected sometime next year. Through the case, we are asking for clear and workable medical exceptions that would allow physicians to use their best medical judgment and intervene to treat our patients as we were trained. We want medical exceptions that ensure the health and safety of pregnant patients always comes first.
The need for a health exception in Idaho is a matter of urgency that impacts maternal health and safety. Enacting changes that prioritize the well-being of mothers fosters a health care environment that respects individual rights and prioritizes the health of Idaho families. Let us work together to create a future where every pregnant mother has access to the safe care she deserves.
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The rotunda as seen on March 16, 2026, at the Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)
Ahead of the 2026 primary elections, the League of Women Voters of Idaho is teaming up with several local groups to hold candidate forums and voter education events in the hopes of boosting voter turnout.
The groups invited all candidates for public office in Ada and Canyon County’s commissions, and inlegislative district 11, which is in Canyon County.
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The groups that are hosting include Mormon Women for Ethical Government, the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, the American Association of University Women’s Boise branch and the College of Idaho’s Masters of Applied Public Policy Program.
Here’s when and where the forums are:
Ada County Commissioner District 2:7-8:30 p.m. April 24 at Meridian City Hall, located at 33 E. Broadway Ave. in Meridian.
Ada County Commissioner District 1:7-8:30 p.m. April 28 at Valley View Elementary School, located at 3555 N Milwaukee St. in Boise.
Legislative District 11:6:30-8:30 p.m. April 30 at Caldwell City Hall, located at 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.
Canyon County Commissioner:6-8 p.m. May 7 at Caldwell City Hall, 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.
Learn more about candidates at the League of Women Voters’ online voter guide,VOTE411.ORG.
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BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — Idaho drivers wanting to celebrate America’s anniversary this year now have a unique way to do that. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles has released an America 250 license plate to mark the occasion.
The new license plate includes an American flag on a blue background with the words “America 250” and the dates “1776 – 2026.”
The plate requires an extra fee that will go toward supporting the Idaho Heritage Trust, according to an Idaho Transportation Department news release. The specific fee wasn’t listed.
“This plate gives Idahoans a chance to mark a historic milestone and show their pride on the road,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV administrator, in a statement. “We’re proud to offer a design that honors our country’s past while supporting Idaho’s efforts to preserve its own history.”
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The America 250 license plate was released to celebrate a historic national milestone. | Idaho Transportation Department
Idaho’s favorite license plate
The new license plate may give Idaho’s favorite a run for its money.
The Idaho Transportation Department recently held a “Battle of the Plates” vote to find out which license plate Idahoans loved best.
The Forests Forever plate was crowned the champion on April 7. Funds generated from this plate go toward Idaho replanting and reforestation projects, as well as environmental education programs for Idaho students and teachers.
“One of Idaho’s newest plates, Forests Forever made a strong run and came out on top, highlighting just how much Idahoans value our forests and natural resources,” the transportation department said in a social media post.
Idahoans chose Forests Forever as their favorite specialty license plate. | Idaho Transportation Department
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