A federal judge has upheld Idaho’s Medical Freedom Act, dismissing a lawsuit that claimed the law was unconstitutionally vague and prohibited routine health protections.
Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford ruled in favor of the state, rejecting arguments from Le Soleil Child Care LLC and three parents who challenged the statute. The plaintiffs contended the legislation banned standard hygiene practices, such as handwashing, while asserting the law lacked clarity regarding prohibited conduct.
Judge Brailsford determined that the term “medical interventions” clearly refers to actions that are medical in nature. She noted that the act “plainly and unambiguously sets out a standard of prohibited conduct that gives a person of ordinary intelligence fair notice of what is prohibited.”
The ruling reinforces restrictions preventing daycares, businesses, government entities, and schools from mandating vaccines or other medical treatments. Under the law, medical interventions include procedures, drugs, injections, and actions taken to diagnose, prevent, or cure disease.
Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador had requested the dismissal of the case. “Parents make medical decisions for their children,” Labrador said. “A daycare does not.”
The legislation was authored by Health Freedom Defense Fund President Leslie Manookian. Republican Gov. Brad Little initially vetoed an earlier version of the bill, citing concerns it might prevent caregivers from sending home sick children. After a Senate attempt to override the veto failed, Little signed a revised version into law in April.
Le Soleil Child Care LLC remains permitted to promote its beliefs about public health but cannot require vaccination for attendance. Attorney Andrea Carone stated that the plaintiffs are considering an appeal to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Public health data indicates that nearly four out of every five kindergartners in Idaho are up to date on measles vaccinations. The state has reported 10 measles cases this year.