Idaho hospital discontinues labor and delivery services due to doctor shortages and political climate.
Bonner General Health in Idaho will stop labor and delivery services due to doctor shortages and the "political climate," forcing pregnant women to drive to hospitals or birthing centers in Coeur d'Alene or Spokane to give birth. The hospital cited the difficulty of recruiting replacements for highly respected, talented physicians who are leaving. The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has added another challenge to rural hospitals struggling to keep their doors open and facilities fully staffed. Idaho has one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the country, and medical groups argue that Idaho physicians are forced to choose whether to break state or federal law.