An Idaho hospital announced that they plan to stop delivering babies after the criminalization of physicians and the lack of applications for pediatricians. Yahoo News reports that Bonner General Health in Sandpoint, Idaho said they would no longer provide labor, delivery, and obstetrical services at their facility, forcing their patients to drive 45 miles to the nearest doctor for care.
"Highly respected, talented physicians are leaving. Recruiting replacements will be extraordinarily difficult,” the press release stated. “We have made every effort to avoid eliminating these services. We hoped to be the exception, but our challenges are impossible to overcome now.”
The hospital's press release stated that the number of deliveries continues to decline, delivering only 265 in 2022 and less than ten pediatric patients admitted.
The facility lacks enough pediatricians to manage the neonatal care unit. They've contacted active and retired doctors to fill vacancies, but physicians are reluctant to work with the new abortion ban.
New patients are no longer being seen. However, established patients can see their physician until May 19. The report noted that getting an appointment could be an issue with staffing shortages.
After the supreme court eliminated the nationwide abortion rights that Roe vs. Wade established, states with total abortion bans have passed laws that threaten doctors with prison time if they perform or assist in services that terminate pregnancies.
Bonner Hospital said that the abortion ban is making it difficult for them to fill vacancies. Doctors are anxious about providing OB/GYN services, fearing they could face legal charges if the woman miscarries.
“The Idaho legislature continues to introduce and pass bills that criminalize physicians for medical care nationally recognized as the standard of care,” the hospital’s statement added.“Consequences for Idaho physicians providing the standard of care may include civil litigation and criminal prosecution, leading to jail time or fines.”
The statement concluded by saying that they believe that other hospitals will also close their doors to delivering babies. The only way they see it would change is if congress introduced a bill to allow abortions and not penalize doctors for providing medical treatment to pregnant women.
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