Emergency Abortion Care in Idaho
Dr Lauren Miller, a fetal maternal medicine specialist in Idaho, used to face a heartbreaking dilemma every day on her way to work. Due to Idaho’s strict abortion ban, she could only perform abortions to save a woman’s life, leaving many patients in medical emergencies without immediate help.
One federal law, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (Emtala), briefly allowed Miller to provide abortions in emergencies. Emtala requires hospitals receiving Medicare funds to stabilize patients in medical emergencies, potentially conflicting with Idaho’s ban. The upcoming US supreme court case on Emtala could have significant implications for healthcare providers like Miller.
Legal Challenges and Healthcare Impact
After the overturn of Roe v Wade in 2022, the Biden administration asserted that Emtala applies to emergency abortions, challenging state bans. States like South Dakota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Arizona have similar restrictive abortion laws, raising concerns about patient care and legal compliance.
Dr Kristin Lyerly’s experience in Wisconsin highlights the uncertainty faced by healthcare professionals. With laws permitting only life-saving abortions, doctors like Lyerly feel unsafe practicing in states with conflicting regulations. The legal battle over abortion access continues to impact patient care and provider decisions.
Consequences of Legal Decisions
The US supreme court’s ruling in favor of Idaho’s full abortion ban has intensified the debate over Emtala’s applicability. Idaho’s argument that Emtala does not authorize illegal procedures adds complexity to the legal landscape. The increase in out-of-state transfers for emergency care underscores the challenges faced by patients and healthcare systems.
Dr Jim Souza’s observations on the rise in out-of-state transfers highlight the potential risks and delays in emergency care. The impact of legal decisions on patient outcomes and healthcare resources remains a critical concern for providers and advocates.
How high a risk does a patient have to take, or how sick do they have to get, before it’s okay to actually give them the medical care that they need?
The case before the US supreme court reflects the ongoing struggle to balance legal restrictions with patient needs. Healthcare providers like Miller and Lyerly navigate complex legal and ethical dilemmas to ensure quality care for patients in crisis.
The Impact of Emtala on Patients and Doctors
Dr. Sara Thomson, an OB-GYN in Idaho, highlighted the challenging cases falling under Emtala’s jurisdiction, particularly those involving pregnant patients facing complications that endanger their lives. She emphasized the emotional toll of such situations, where decisions about the patient’s health and safety become paramount.
According to Thomson, the limitations of Emtala are evident in the aftermath of the fall of Roe and the imposition of stricter abortion laws. While acknowledging its shortcomings, she noted that Emtala still provides a level of protection for patients in need.
Physician Exodus Due to Restrictive Laws
Many doctors have chosen to leave states with stringent abortion regulations, citing the inability to provide adequate care to their patients. Dr. Leilah Zahedi-Spung’s decision to relocate from Tennessee to Colorado underscores the challenges faced by healthcare professionals under such laws.
In Tennessee and Idaho, laws previously lacked explicit provisions for medical emergencies, putting doctors at risk of prosecution for performing necessary abortions. The removal of these provisions in both states reflects a shift towards a more patient-centered approach.
Ensuring Patient Safety Amid Legal Uncertainty
Physicians like Zahedi-Spung and Miller prioritize patient safety above all else, leading them to seek practice in states with more lenient abortion policies. Their commitment to upholding ethical standards in healthcare underscores the ethical dilemmas posed by restrictive laws.
A recent survey of Idaho doctors affected by the state’s abortion ban revealed a significant percentage considering relocation due to the ban’s impact on their practice. The inherent conflict between patient needs and legal constraints creates a challenging environment for healthcare providers.
Looking Towards the Future
Thomson’s contemplation of updating her resume and Seyb’s potential early retirement in response to the uncertain future of abortion laws in Idaho reflect the pervasive concerns among healthcare professionals. The need for a balance between legal compliance and patient care remains a pressing issue in the medical community.
Read more: ‘I cried with her’: the diary of a doctor navigating a total abortion ban
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Government considers holding 3 referendums to address constitutional differences: Full report
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A government spokesperson revealed that the Cabinet is considering the performance report. The commission for the examination and study of the guidelines for calling a referendum to resolve the problem of differences of opinion on the Constitution 60 will hold 3 referendums, in line with the ruling of the Constitutional Court which supports the modification of the referendum law as instrument for the People’s Democratic Party. Party.
Today (23 April) Chai Watcharong, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed that the cabinet meeting (23 April 2024) reviewed the committee’s performance report to consider and study guidelines for holding a referendum to resolve the question of differences in the constitution
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office said that the CEC had conducted a study on guidelines for holding a referendum to resolve differences of opinion on the Constitution. The results of the consideration can be summarized in 2 points.
1. Preparation of a new constitution and holding a referendum The commission expressed the opinion that the preparation of a new constitution would be in line with the decision of the Constitutional Court. The people must first hold a referendum on whether or not to establish a new constitution. Therefore, it was seen that there should be 3 referendums, i.e. (1) the first referendum on whether or not to adopt a new constitution (2) the second referendum was a referendum in the process of drafting Amended Constitution (No..) BE …. (Section 256 amended) to determine the criteria and methods for preparing a new Constitution and (3) The third referendum was held when the draft of the new constitution was completed. In order to examine and approve the new draft Constitution by holding the first referendum, the referendum question should be asked: “Do you approve the drafting of a new constitution without amending Section 1, General Provisions, Section 2, the King?” However, the government should not ask a referendum question regarding the organization of a Constitution Drafting Council be to consider the number and origin of the members of the Constitution Drafting Council, but it should be the duty and power of the parliament to act when it comes to the drafting of the amended constitution (No…) BE.. (Article 256 amended)
2. Amendments to the Referendum Act, BE 2021 The Committee has further concerns and considers it appropriate to make further amendments to the Referendum Act, BE 2021 so that the Referendum Act, BE 2021 can be a democratic instrument which helps to encourage people to express their intentions directly in various matters. It was seen that several issues should be modified, such as specifying the classifications to have a referendum that has the characteristic of reaching a resolution. and a referendum which is in the nature of providing consultation to the Council of Ministers, etc.
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Government considers holding 3 referendums to address constitutional differences: Full report
Massive floods threaten tens of millions of people in southern China
© AFP
Southern China was hit by heavy rain last weekend. Homes, streets and farmlands have been flooded and rescuers are now rushing to evacuate residents trapped in the rising water.
Since April 16, persistent downpour has been ravaging the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong province, the manufacturing heart of China and one of the most densely populated regions in the country with 127 million inhabitants. Four deaths were reported on Monday and ten others were missing.
Four weather stations in the province have already recorded record rainfall for April. And the heavy rain caused almost 100,000 people to evacuate.
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“Once in a century”
Since last week, at least 44 rivers in the Pearl River basin have swelled above the warning limit and are at risk of bursting their banks, state broadcaster CCTV said.
For the Bei River, which flows into the Pearl River, authorities have warned of a “once in a century” flood expected to rise 5.8 meters above the warning limit.
The tributary burst its banks on April 8, marking the earliest flooding since records began in 1998, according to Guangdong authorities.
(Read more below the photos)
© AFP
© AFP
Emergency measures
Aerial footage broadcast by CCTV at the weekend showed villages being flooded by murky water, with in some places only roofs and treetops visible.
Authorities on Sunday increased flood emergency measures in the Pearl River Delta to level 2, the second highest level in a four-level system. Schools are closed in many cities and hundreds of flights have been canceled in the metropolises Guangzhou and Shenzhen. More than 80 houses have already collapsed or been severely damaged.
The Pearl River basin is subject to annual flooding from April to September, but the region has experienced more intense rainfall and severe flooding in recent years.
Last year, China experienced “more intense and extreme” downpours during the flood season than in previous years. 72 national weather stations recorded record amounts of daily precipitation and 346 stations broke monthly records.
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Massive floods threaten tens of millions of people in southern China