RELEASE: Activist Abortion Ruling from Federal Court Endangers Babies and Women

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2026

BOISE – Idaho Family Policy Center denounces the federal district court decision in Seyb v. Labrador, which claims that the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects a right to abortion when the mother threatens to harm herself.

The court order leaves both the Heartbeat law and the Defense of Life Act largely enforceable. Notably, it prevents only the Attorney General and the Ada County Prosecutor from enforcing these prolife laws in limited instances, such as when a mother threatens self-harm.

The order denied the plaintiff’s attempt to legalize abortions in pregnancies with twins or triplets or for babies with disabilities. It also recognized that state laws prohibiting abortions in these circumstances are constitutional and affirm “the dignity of people with profound disabilities.” Importantly, the court also affirmed that “the Constitution does not protect the right to elective abortion.”

Abortions performed by doctors in Idaho have dropped by 99.7% since the Heartbeat law took effect in August 2022, according to official data from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. The Heartbeat law was researched, drafted, and championed by Idaho Family Policy Center.

A statement from Blaine Conzatti, president of Idaho Family Policy Center:

Let’s recognize this opinion for what it is: Another activist opinion attempting to invent a right to abortion somewhere in the Constitution when no such right exists. Idaho law doesn’t allow women to get abortions for mental health reasons—and the Constitution protects no such right. We fully expect this to be reversed on appeal.

Every child deserves the protection of our laws, even in those cases where his or her mother is struggling with mental health issues. Abortion is never a valid form of psychiatric care. Women struggling with mental health need treatment, not the enduring trauma that inevitably accompanies the unnecessary death of her preborn child.

It’s important to recognize that the civil cause of action in the Heartbeat law still remains in effect—meaning that any physician who performs an abortion that is prohibited by the Heartbeat law can still be liable for breaking the law. And doctors should take note: The IFPC Legal Center stands ready to hold doctors accountable who illegally perform abortions.

We want to extend our gratitude to Attorney General Labrador and his team for their hard work defending Idaho’s laws protecting the unborn, and we fully expect their work to be vindicated on appeal.

About Idaho Family Policy Center

Idaho Family Policy Center is a ministry that advances the lordship of Christ in the public square through engaging the church, promoting God-honoring public policy, and training statesmen. Visit IFPC's website at https://idahofamily.org/

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