Rally hosted on International Women's Day

SANDPOINT — Friday’s “Rally for Repro” is aimed at bringing attention to what organizers say is the state’s reproductive healthcare crisis.

The rally, planned for International Women’s Day from 4 to 5:30 p.m., will include multiple speakers hoping to raise awareness about reproductive health care concerns in North Idaho. 

Bonner General Health made international headlines one year ago when BGH officials announced they were shutting down the hospital’s labor and delivery services in part, due to Idaho’s legal and political climate. All four of BGH’s OB-GYNs have moved out of state, according to Pro-Voice staff, creating a “maternity care desert” in Idaho’s two northern counties.

“This problem is not going away by ignoring it,” said Pro-Voice founder Jen Jackson Quintano. “And we, as women, are not going away, either — as patients or as voters. This is an opportunity to be seen and heard and to assert that our needs deserve attention and action. It’s also a chance to express our gratitude and support for Bonner General and the amazing staff there who continue to provide care, as best they can, through challenging times. This community stands by its hospital. This community wants better for its hospital.”

Pregnant women in Bonner and Boundary counties must now drive either to Kootenai County, Spokane, or Newport for labor and delivery services. It’s a journey that could take two hours or more, leaving high-risk pregnancies and low-income patients at elevated risk for complications. Basic gynecological care is severely limited now, too, Jackson Quintano said, meaning most women must travel to find care for chronic or newly-developing reproductive health issues.

“This is a life or death issue,” said Quintano. “And not just for individuals who risk all kinds of problems by having to travel for care, but it’s life or death for our community. How can a town remain vibrant if it can’t bring babies into the world? If it can’t support its women?”

All community members are welcome at the demonstration outside the Bonner General Health campus, Third and Cedar in Sandpoint..

Further International Women’s Day events are scheduled for Saturday, March 9, at the Sandpoint Community Hall from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day will include guest speakers, food, storytelling and rituals of empowerment. Text Ellen at 208-610-3376 to learn more.