Idaho Abortion Ban Trial Ends; Decision Expected in 2025

The trial over Idaho's near-total abortion ban has concluded after six days of testimonies, with plaintiffs seeking clarity on health exceptions in the law. Women and doctors testified about severe impacts such as forced out-of-state travel for medical procedures and confusion among healthcare providers. Plaintiffs argue for exceptions in cases of health-threatening conditions and fatal fetal diagnoses, while the state fears these could lead to broad justifications for abortions. The state presented arguments that the current law prevents unnecessary abortions and labeled such procedures 'barbaric,' also claiming the plaintiffs lacked standing by suggesting their cases were hypothetical. A decision from Judge Jason Scott is expected early next year after both parties submit their findings.