The Dobb’s Decision overturning Roe v Wade and Idaho’s subsequent law criminalizing abortion for a person who performs them, is putting hospitals in Idaho under pressure. The fact is abortion related services are often required to address health emergencies resulting from problematic pregnancies. Yet, doctors and nurses working in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) are putting themselves at risk of prosecution if they perform unauthorized abortive services. As a result, Idaho hospitals are losing OB-GYN practitioners. The problem is so severe that in places like Bonners Ferry, the resulting staff shortage is forcing the local hospital to take steps to suspend labor and delivery services all together.
To help explain this pressing issue, we have invited Dr. Robert McFarland to join us. Dr. McFarland is a member of the Kootenai Hospital Districts Board of Trustees. He will discuss the current working conditions for OB-GYNs practicing in the state.
Join Dr. McFarland this Friday at noon online to learn about the staffing shortage stemming from Idaho’s new abortion law and its implications for state hospitals.
About Dr. McFarland
Bob McFarland, a Coeur d’Alene native, has practiced family medicine for over 40 years. He has served in many offices in Kootenai Health, including chief of staff, chairman of Family Practice, and member of the founding committee of the Kootenai Care Network. McFarland has also been president of the Idaho Medical Association and president of the Idaho Academy of Family Physicians and has served on the Medical Education Committee of the Idaho Board of Education. He was named the Idaho Family Physician of the Year in 2016. He has chaired the Long-Range Planning Committee of the Coeur d’Alene School District and was a cofounder and board chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy.
ABOUT OUR MEETINGS
The Democrat Club meets each Friday at noon online. We distribute a Zoom link for our club meetings each Thursday prior to the meeting date. Contact Phil at pjwmia@aol.com or Ruben at pjwmia@aol.com, to request the link or assistance connecting. We will return to in person/online meetings as soon as it becomes safe to do so. You can find videos of past Club meetings at KootenaiCountyDemClub.com/Meeting Videos.
