Dr. Leah Fleming
Dr. Leah Fleming, a Boise-based pediatrician and medical geneticist at St. Luke’s, recently joined Newstalk 107.9 to discuss her vocal opposition to Idaho’s Proposition 1. In the interview, Fleming detailed her concerns regarding what she describes as “misleading and dangerously vague” language within the proposed ballot measure.
Fleming highlighted the initiative’s use of the phrase “every person,” noting that because the text lacks specific age limits, it could establish a right to abortion for minors without parental consent or involvement. She also criticized the proposition’s redefinition of fetal viability, which hinges on the phrase “extraordinary medical measures.” According to Fleming, this term lacks a standard medical definition, potentially allowing late-term abortions for babies with genetic abnormalities who could otherwise survive with medical support.
Addressing the state’s current abortion restrictions, Fleming emphasized that the law already clearly permits treatments for ectopic or molar pregnancies, non-viable pregnancies, and life-saving care for mothers. She referenced a 2023 court clarification ensuring that physicians do not need to wait until a woman’s death is imminent before intervening to save her life. “It’s always legal to take care of the woman and to save her life,” Fleming stated.
When asked about the professional atmosphere at St. Luke’s—where some prominent colleagues, such as Dr. Stacey Seib, publicly support Prop 1—Fleming clarified that she was speaking solely for herself. She characterized her colleagues as highly professional despite their radical disagreements on the issue.
Looking past the upcoming vote, Fleming advocated for a state-led education campaign to relieve anxiety among local healthcare providers. She noted that fear of prosecution has led to unnecessary out-of-state patient transfers. Additionally, she touched on conflicting data regarding Idaho’s OB-GYN retention, describing the issue as complex and influenced by licensure status, local facility finances, and birth volumes rather than a simple metric.
