Healthy births are the first step in ensuring babies grow, develop, and thrive. Yet Idaho is falling well behind in key maternal and infant health indicators. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and Idaho’s ‘trigger law’ that criminalizes abortion services, maternal and infant health needs in Idaho will grow.

Now is the time to take steps to reverse Idaho’s troubling health trends by advancing a set of broad state priorities focused on improving birth outcomes, the health of infants, and the well-being of moms. As Idaho policymakers explore opportunities to increase support for pregnant women and newborns, it is essential that they consider what the data shows about the needs of families.