Statement from Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Idaho Law Restricting Women’s Access to Health Care

We knew that when Texas passed SB8, its extreme law that blatantly violates the constitutional right reaffirmed by Roe v. Wade, it would invite other states to follow.  Today, Idaho became the first state to adopt a similar law – a six-week restriction relying on private citizens to enforce the law.  This development is devastating for women in Idaho, as it will further impede women’s access to health care, especially those on low incomes and living in rural communities. 

Over the last six months, Texas’s SB8 has had profoundly negative effects–with women forced to travel hundreds of miles to access care, and clinics in neighboring states seeing a significant increase in demand since the law went into effect.  This is unacceptable, which is why President Biden directed a whole of government response to protect women’s rights that are currently under attack.

The Biden-Harris Administration will continue to stand with women and support their right to make their own health care decisions, a constitutional right that Roe v. Wade reaffirmed nearly five decades ago. And the President again calls on Congress to act and send a bill to his desk to shut down these radical steps.