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As doctors leave Idaho, new report highlights economic and rural impact

Jamie Grill
/
Tetra images RF/Getty Images

A new economic impact study is putting a dollar figure on a crisis many Idahoans have been feeling for years: a growing shortage of doctors, particularly OB-GYN providers.

The report finds that Idaho is losing more than $125 million a year in economic activity as doctors leave the state following the implementation of its near-total abortion ban. The loss comes as our state’s population continues to grow rapidly and as dozens of family planning clinics have closed across the state.

The findings are fueling a new statewide ad campaign warning that restrictive healthcare laws are not only affecting patient care but also the state’s economy and rural communities.

Amber Nelson, the executive director of the Idaho Coalition for Safe Healthcare, joined Idaho Matters to help break down this information.

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Hi! I’m Gemma Gaudette, the host of the award-winning show, Idaho Matters. During the day you’ll find me researching and writing about all the fascinating topics we tackle on our show. And of course, at noon, each weekday you’ll find me live behind the microphone as Idaho Matters airs.