Note: AP style avoids the use of "fetal heartbeat" bill since this legislation addresses neither a fetus (it's still an embryo) nor a heartbeat (it hasn't yet developed a heart).
Des Moines, IA — Today we learned that a ban on abortions in Iowa as early as six weeks of pregnancy will go into effect on Monday, July 29, marking a dark day for reproductive freedom in a state that has already seen its health care system decimated by Iowa politicians who are hellbent on outlawing abortion. This dangerous, harmful abortion ban goes against the will of Iowans, 61% of whom support access to abortion in most or all cases.
Iowa politicians passed the abortion ban during an unprecedented one-day special session last summer after the Court rejected a similar ban passed in 2018. Abortion providers and advocates almost immediately filed suit. Gov. Kim Reynolds asked the state’s highest court to allow implementation of the abortion ban during the court proceedings. The request was denied and an injunction has kept the law from taking effect as the case worked its way through the courts—until now.
On June 28, 2024 the Iowa Supreme Court ruled to lift the injunction as it returned the case to the lower courts. During today’s hearing at the Polk County District court the injunction was lifted.
Statement from Mazie Stilwell, Director of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa:
“Today’s news is heart wrenching. No one wants their body to be political. But in Iowa, half the population will no longer have the freedom to control their lives, bodies, and futures. Under the near-total ban, politicians decide who gets abortion care. Politicians decide when someone can get abortion care. Politicians will be in the exam room.
“With a ban as early as six weeks on the books, some anti-abortion groups are already calling for more restrictions. Not only do the Christian nationalist lobbyists who control the puppet strings of anti-choice politicians want to see all abortions banned, but they’re also coming for birth control and IVF.
“Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa stands with the growing majority of Iowans who support keeping abortion safe and legal in our state. The only way we can regain control of our bodily autonomy is at the ballot box. We will remind Iowans at every turn of the assault on their freedoms by legislators who are supposed to work for them. Come November, we must hold our elected officials accountable for every vote they have taken to erode our reproductive freedom and access to health care.”
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Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa (PPAI) is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a mission of fostering and preserving a social and political climate favorable to reproductive health. To meet this mission, PPAI engages in lobbying, issues education, and supporter mobilization.
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