Because Freedom Can't Protect Itself

Right to Medical Privacy 

Planned Parenthood of Idaho v. Wasden I – Planned Parenthood and the ACLU won a ruling at the 9^th Circuit Court that Idaho’s 2000 parental consent law was unconstitutional.  The U.S. Supreme Court declined review in early 2005.  Newal Squyres was ACLU cooperating counsel and National ACLU attorney Louise Melling assisted on the case. 

Planned Parenthood of Idaho v. Wasden II – Planned Parenthood and the ACLU filed suit challenging Idaho’s 2005 parental consent law.  The new law had many of the same flaws that were successfully challenged in the 2000 lawsuit.  Following a hearing in June, 2005, the entire law was enjoined as critical portions of it were unconstitutional.  The State has appealed to the 9^th Circuit.  This case may be mooted if Idaho enacts a new parental consent law in 2007.  Alan Herzfeld is ACLU cooperating counsel and Louise Melling is assisting. 

Roe & Idaho Dept. of Corrections – A pregnant inmate was told by prison officials in late 2004 that abortion was not an option.  The ACLU intervened and the inmate was able to exercise her constitutionally protected right to terminate her pregnancy.  Marty Durand handled this complaint. 

A Physician’s Assistant & Portneuf Hospital – A physician’s assistant complained that state law enforcement officers were surreptitiously taping doctor/inmate patient conversations in the hospital emergency room. ACLU contact with hospital officials caused the taping to be discontinued.  Twin Falls attorney Steven Pitts served as ACLU of Idaho cooperating counsel.