Idaho Democratic Lawmakers Comment on the Closure of Labor and Delivery Services at Bonner General Hospital
IDAHO CAPITOL – Idaho Democratic lawmakers are saddened but not surprised by the announcement that Bonner General Health has made the “emotional and difficult decision to discontinue providing Obstetrical services at Bonner General Health…”
Democratic House Leader Ilana Rubel:
“This is what happens when pregnancy care is criminalized. Democrats have been warning about it for years. Many of the big-government, heavy-hand laws were passed during a time where GOP lawmakers could hide behind the protections of Roe v. Wade. With those protections removed, the consequences of bad laws are being felt and will continue to be felt by Idahoans until the political pain becomes so severe that GOP lawmakers start writing laws to help Idahaons instead of catering to extremists.”
Democratic Senate Leader Melissa Wintrow:
“Pregnancy is complex and the laws banning basic reproductive health care create collateral damage. It is a lesson to us that we should not be legislating health care. These issues are private matters. Self determination of our bodies and the pursuit of happiness depend on the ability to control our bodies. When we allow politicians to practice medicine, everyone loses.”
House Assistant Democratic Leader Lauren Necochea:
“We already have a shortage of healthcare providers in Idaho. With 45% of obstetric gynecologists considering or exploring relocation out of Idaho, this is only the beginning of a crisis. All patients will suffer.”
Senate Assistant Democratic Leader James Ruchti:
“Idaho lawmakers regularly talk about creating a family friendly environment that will encourage our children to raise their own families here. However, Idaho’s near total abortion ban and the subsequent impact on our health care system does the opposite. Starting a family requires pregnancy, which has its own set of risks. As we see in Bonner County, Idaho’s family unfriendly laws drive away competent health care providers, needlessly increasing the health risks from pregnancy and discouraging young families from laying down roots here.”
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