Idaho struggles to recruit doctors, provide adequate care due to abortion law, doctors say

The healthcare system in Idaho is undergoing significant changes, according to medical professionals within the state. These shifts are largely attributed to the implementation of a near-total ban on abortions following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

A Changing Landscape

Jake Erickson, CEO of Bingham Health Care, and Dr. Heather Pugmire, an OB-GYN at Bingham Memorial Hospital in Blackfoot, recently discussed the challenges they and their colleagues are facing. Their concerns center on the difficulties in attracting and retaining physicians, particularly in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.

Physician Shortages

Prior to 2022, Erickson stated that recruiting OB-GYNs was relatively straightforward, with his hospital typically maintaining three to four full-time physicians. Currently, the hospital is short two full-time OB-GYNs and relies on flying in three additional doctors to assist Dr. Pugmire in providing obstetric care.

Did You Know? In over 50% of Idaho counties, local hospitals are no longer equipped to deliver babies.

The shortage extends beyond OB-GYNs, with Idaho needing to add 1,400 medical professionals to meet current population demands. Specifically, at least 275 OB-GYNs are needed statewide, but the current number stands at 201, and is not increasing.

Dr. Pugmire noted that out-of-state recruiters are actively targeting Idaho physicians, emphasizing “protection” from legislative processes in their recruitment efforts. She also shared that medical school administrators have indicated that Idaho and Texas are becoming less desirable locations for students pursuing medical careers due to their abortion laws.

Hospital Closures and Limited Services

Since the implementation of Idaho’s abortion law, Erickson is aware of five hospitals that have closed their labor and delivery services, located in Sandpoint, Emmett, and Caldwell. The Idaho Capital Sun reports a higher number, stating that 14 rural hospitals have ceased offering these services, representing 53% of all rural hospitals in the state.

Erickson estimates that an additional eight to ten hospitals are nearing a similar decision, leading to a situation where more Idaho counties lack local hospital-based delivery services than those that still offer them.

Expert Insight: The reported closures and staffing shortages suggest a potential fracturing of access to essential maternal healthcare services, particularly in rural areas, creating significant logistical and financial burdens for expectant mothers.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

While Erickson personally leans anti-abortion, he acknowledges situations where abortion may be the most appropriate medical option. However, he expressed concern that the current legal climate creates hesitation among physicians due to the risk of legal repercussions, including potential jail time and loss of license.

A law enacted in 2022 allows family members of individuals who obtain abortions to sue the performing doctor for up to $20,000 in damages. Dr. Pugmire highlighted the potential for frivolous lawsuits, even in cases where the physician acted within legal and ethical guidelines.

Dr. Pugmire emphasized that her training allows her to perform abortions, but she specifically chose to practice in Idaho due to a perceived cultural norm of not routinely offering abortions for elective reasons. However, she noted that the current laws are impacting the treatment of pregnancies with complications like ectopic pregnancies or lethal fetal anomalies.

She described instances where she feels unable to provide the most beneficial care to patients due to legal constraints, stating, “I can’t do that now.” She was advised by hospital lawyers to cease certain procedures to avoid legal risk.

Seeking Legislative Change

Over the past two months, Erickson has met with 28 legislators in eastern Idaho to advocate for changes to the law. He suggested mirroring Utah’s abortion law, which includes exceptions for the health of the mother, rape, and incest – exceptions currently absent in Idaho law.

However, Pugmire found that legislators were surprised to learn she did not advocate for abortions and wasn’t financially incentivized to perform them. This led to some legislators dismissing her concerns as biased.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “Defense of Life Act”?

The “Defense of Life Act” is Idaho’s near-total ban on abortions, passed by the state Legislature in 2020 and taking effect after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

How many OB-GYNs does Idaho currently need?

Idaho currently needs at least 275 OB-GYNs statewide, but there are only 201 practicing, and the number is not increasing.

What is happening to labor and delivery services in Idaho hospitals?

Five hospitals have closed their labor and delivery services since the abortion law took effect, and an additional eight to ten hospitals are nearing a similar decision. Fourteen rural hospitals have stopped offering these services, according to the Idaho Capital Sun.

What impact will these changes have on access to healthcare in Idaho?