For Immediate Release

June 27, 2024

Contact:

K Richardson, Communications Manager, [email protected]

Washington D.C.

Transgender Law Center takes a moment to pause and acknowledge the Supreme Court’s decision in Moyle v. United States, which will, at least temporarily, allow access to emergency room abortion care for people of all genders. We support our reproductive justice partners and advocates who have been working to secure access and autonomy in an increasingly divisive world where politically motivated attacks on the bodily autonomy of all people are at an all-time high.

In today’s Supreme Court ruling, Justices have made the decision to dismiss this case without resolving the central conflict between Idaho’s state abortion ban and federal directives such as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA). In so doing, today, the court only provides temporary reprieve for those who need emergency care. As Justice Jackson states in her partial dissent, “Today’s decision is not a victory for pregnant patients in Idaho. It is a delay.”

While emergency abortions can now continue in the state, today’s decision allows extremist judges on lower courts to continue to play politics with our health and well-being. The decision also leaves the door open for states to continue to enact harmful policies that violate our rights under federal law. Though the court left many questions unanswered, regardless of where we live, our races, or our ability to pay, people across this country can enter emergency rooms knowing that the doctor will work to keep them alive. 

This case was brought by a group of anti-choice medical providers who sought to ensure they would not provide supportive and stabilizing care in the event a person needed abortion services. EMTALA has been utilized in emergency rooms for over 35 years. Upholding this law will have immediate and long-lasting impacts on all people of all genders across this country. 

Pregnant people, regardless of their genders, races, or ability to pay, will be able to use emergency services without fear of mistreatment or providers who put their personal ideologies ahead of patient care. 

“Today, people of all genders can take a moment to breathe a sigh of relief,” said  Shelby Chestnut, Executive Director of Transgender Law Center. “Across this country, we’ve witnessed extremist politicians attempt to further restrict people’s access to life-saving medical care. While this may not be the victory we hoped for, we’re thankful our communities will continue to have access to the care they need and can more safely navigate medical emergencies. We will continue to support efforts to fight for a world where we can all have what we need to thrive.”

“All of us across this country deserve the safe, affirming medical care in their time of need,” said Mickaela Bradford, Co-Director of Policy and Programs at Transgender Law Center “Politicians should not create situations where a person’s life is at risk because they do not support the specific care needed—it is cruel and dehumanizing. We are grateful that medical providers can continue to support people seeking emergency care who need immediate relief to receive life-saving interventions required to stabilize them. We are grateful that no one will be turned away in their time of need.”

“EMTALA embodies the principle that access to emergency medical care is not just a matter of healthcare policy but a fundamental civil right,” said Heron Greenesmith, Deputy Director of Policy at Transgender Law Center. “By guaranteeing equal treatment for all, regardless of genders, races, or economic ability, EMTALA ensures that no one is left behind in their time of need. This act is a testament to the belief that everyone deserves dignity, respect, and access to lifesaving care.”