Family Physicians Encouraged SCOTUS Decision Safeguards Access to Care

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 27, 2024

Contact:
Julie Hirschhorn
AAFP Public Relations
jhirschhorn@aafp.org

Statement attributable to:
Steven P. Furr, MD, FAAFP
President
American Academy of Family Physicians

“The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) is encouraged that the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case State of Idaho v. United States upholds the Emergency Medical Treatment & Active Labor Act (EMTALA), which helps physicians treat patients in life-threatening medical situations, including pregnant patients in distress. While we support the outcome of today’s opinion, access to care is still at risk, as EMTALA continues to be questioned in the country’s legal system.

“Family physicians form long-lasting relationships with their patients and provide comprehensive care before, during, and after pregnancy. Pregnant people should receive life-saving medical care, including in emergency situations. This ruling will preserve patient access and safety while ensuring that physicians can practice medicine informed by their years of medical education, training, and experience and by the available evidence, without fear of criminal liability.

“The AAFP will continue to advocate for everyone’s right to health care and work to close equity gaps while opposing any governmental interference in the confidential relationship between patient and physician.”

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