Ocean County Leader

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Co-Chair of the House Pro-Life Caucus, issued a statement following the Supreme Court's decision to dismiss Moyle (Idaho) v. United States as "improvidently granted." This dismissal effectively reinstates a lower court injunction on Idaho’s Defense of Life Act and allows litigation to continue in the lower courts.

"While the Supreme Court decided not to rule on the merits of this case at this time, I trust that the lower courts—which now take up this case—will recognize that the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) and Idaho’s Defense of Life Act agree that the lives of both pregnant women and unborn children must be protected," Smith stated.

Smith further cited Justice Alito's dissenting opinion, noting, "As Justice Alito rightly stated in his dissenting opinion, EMTALA does not require hospitals to perform abortions; it demands that hospitals provide care for both a pregnant woman and her baby."

Smith criticized the Biden Administration's stance on abortion post-Dobbs decision, stating, "Sadly, the Biden Administration is trying to use 'every tool at its disposal' to promote abortion-on-demand after the Dobbs decision, including creating an inaccurate interpretation of EMTALA to put pressure on Idaho state law and foment absurd doubts over whether pregnant women facing emergency situations would receive appropriate care. The oral arguments in this case rebutted the fear and confusion provoked by the Biden Administration."

He concluded with a call for continued efforts in providing care for women and unborn children: "As this case moves through the lower courts, our diligent work to provide women and their unborn children with real care that prioritizes their health and safety must continue."