Without enough women’s healthcare providers, we all feel the consequences of Idaho’s laws
Oct 08, 2026 | 6:00 am ET
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Today, as an OB-GYN, I’m not allowed to offer that same level of care to my patients. Since 2022, I have had to send patients out of state – resulting in delays of care, additional surgeries, blood transfusions, infections, and navigating care with strangers outside of their communities, writes guest columnist Melissa Arnold. (Photo by Getty Images)
During my third pregnancy, my water broke very early – before a baby can typically survive. My husband and I received thoughtful, compassionate advice and support from our care team as we navigated this difficult moment in our lives.
We were able to stay in our community, near our family, and receive care from doctors we knew and trusted.
Idaho needs 1,400 more medical professionals just to catch up to national average
Today, as an OB-GYN, I’m not allowed to offer that same level of care to my patients. Since 2022, I have had to send patients out of state – resulting in delays of care, additional surgeries, blood transfusions, infections, and navigating care with strangers outside of their communities.
Once they return, I’ve tried to help them cope with the medical and mental harm they and their families have experienced. Putting patients into this situation feels inexcusable to me, given that one of our most central doctrines as physicians is to “first do no harm.”
The current laws affect everyone in quieter ways. If you or someone you love has had to wait for several anxious weeks to see a specialist, that delay is due to our current abortion laws and the subsequent loss of more than one-third of Idaho’s OB-GYNs. Without enough women’s healthcare providers in Idaho, we all feel the consequences.
If you have experienced pelvic pain or heavy periods and cannot get an appointment for several months, a pregnancy loss and could only access care in the ER, driving hours to access healthcare, or a pregnancy complication followed by a long wait to see a specialist, then you’ve already been directly affected.
Just this week, I said no to seeing several new patients who need help, because there are so many waiting, and I cannot see them all.
I want to do better for the women of Idaho. Regardless of whether we identify as pro-life or pro-choice, better and safer access to healthcare for the women in our state is crucial. Please help us.
Boise, ID
