AbortionAP Top NewsGeneral NewsIowaKim ReynoldsU.S. News Iowa Republicans pass bill banning most abortions after about 6 weeks, governor to sign Friday by Joshua Brown July 12, 2023 written by Joshua Brown July 12, 2023 1 comment Bookmark 102 On Tuesday, the Republican-dominated Legislature of Iowa successfully passed a legislation that prohibits the majority of abortions post six weeks of pregnancy. Governor Kim Reynolds has pledged to validate the bill with her signature this Friday. The approval of the bill, which was an exclusive effort of the Republican party, emerged after an unusual, all-day legislative session that lasted for over 14 hours, against strenuous opposition from Democratic legislators and abortion rights advocates who were protesting at the Capitol. The bill’s approval was met with cries of disapproval and accusations of shame from lingering protesters late into the night. In an unanticipated move, Reynolds demanded this special session after the state’s Supreme Court refused to revive a nearly identical law in June that she had previously signed in 2018. Upon the passing of the bill, the governor responded, “The Iowa Supreme Court questioned whether this legislature would pass the same law they did in 2018, and today they have a clear answer. The voices of Iowans and their democratically elected representatives cannot be ignored any longer, and justice for the unborn should not be delayed.” Currently, abortion in Iowa is legal up until 20 weeks of pregnancy. This new legislation will come into immediate effect upon the governor’s signature and will essentially ban all abortions once cardiac activity can be detected, typically around the six-week mark, often before many women realize they’re pregnant. Various organizations including the ACLU of Iowa, Planned Parenthood, and the Emma Goldman Clinic are preparing to legally contest this law and seek to have it blocked as soon as it is signed into effect. A small number of exceptions under the new legislation allow for abortions after cardiac activity has been detected, in cases of reported rape or incest within a set timeframe, a fetal abnormality that is “incompatible with life,” or if the pregnancy poses a threat to the life of the pregnant woman. The decision provoked strong public sentiment, with citizens both for and against the bill expressing their views to lawmakers. Sara Eide from the Iowa Catholic Conference urged lawmakers to vote in favor, emphasizing the value and rights of an unborn child. On the other hand, Hilary McAdoo, a fertility nurse, voiced her opposition to the legislation, arguing against forcing pregnancy on women and deemed the six-week cutoff as “impossible and irresponsible”. This law, along with others like it, bans abortion once a “fetal heartbeat” can be detected. However, medical experts argue that this concept is misrepresentative, as the embryo at this stage doesn’t have a heart and is not yet considered a fetus. In 2019, a district court deemed the 2018 law unconstitutional based on rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court and Iowa’s Supreme Court that upheld a woman’s fundamental constitutional right to abortion. After the original rulings were overturned last year, attempts to reinstate the 2018 law were made, but the state’s high court remained divided, leaving the law permanently blocked. This prompted Reynolds to recall lawmakers to Des Moines. Proposed amendments from Democratic lawmakers to broaden the exceptions were quickly rejected. House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst expressed concerns about the potential for immediate chaos and confusion if the bill is signed into law and accused the Republican legislature of undermining the freedom of Iowa women. Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, many Republican-controlled states have drastically restricted abortion access, with Georgia being the only state to ban abortion after cardiac activity is detected. Several other states have comparable restrictions pending court rulings. Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Iowa abortion banWhat does the new legislation in Iowa entail?When will Governor Kim Reynolds sign the bill into law?What are the exceptions to the abortion ban?How long is abortion currently legal in Iowa?Are there any legal challenges expected for the new law?Have similar abortion restrictions been implemented in other states?More about Iowa abortion ban Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Iowa abortion ban What does the new legislation in Iowa entail? The new legislation in Iowa, passed by the Republican-led Legislature, bans most abortions after approximately six weeks of pregnancy. It will take effect once Governor Kim Reynolds signs the bill. When will Governor Kim Reynolds sign the bill into law? Governor Kim Reynolds has announced her intention to sign the bill on Friday. What are the exceptions to the abortion ban? Under the new legislation, there are limited circumstances where abortion would be allowed after cardiac activity is detected. These exceptions include cases of reported rape or incest within specific timeframes, a fetal abnormality deemed “incompatible with life,” or when the pregnant woman’s life is at risk. How long is abortion currently legal in Iowa? Abortion is currently legal in Iowa up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. Are there any legal challenges expected for the new law? Preparations are underway to file legal challenges in court and seek to block the law once it is signed by Governor Reynolds. Organizations like the ACLU of Iowa, Planned Parenthood, and the Emma Goldman Clinic have expressed their commitment to protecting reproductive rights and have plans to challenge the law. Have similar abortion restrictions been implemented in other states? Yes, in the past year, many Republican-controlled states have enacted significant restrictions on abortion access. Georgia, for example, has a ban on abortion after cardiac activity is detected. Other states also have similar restrictions that are currently on hold pending court rulings. More about Iowa abortion ban Iowa Republicans pass bill banning most abortions after about 6 weeks Iowa governor to sign bill banning most abortions after 6 weeks Iowa abortion law faces legal challenges ACLU of Iowa statement on Iowa abortion ban Overview of abortion laws in the United States You Might Be Interested In United Auto Workers Union Intensifies Deadline for Broadening Strike if Talks Don’t Progress by End of Week Opposition Leader Tusk Asserts Sufficient Votes to Dethrone Law and Justice Party in Poland Desperate people dig out dead and injured from Afghanistan earthquakes that killed at least 2,000 Amidst Devastation: The Struggle for Survival in Gaza’s Northern Region Amidst Israel’s Campaign DeSantis, Haley and Ramaswamy will appear in northwest Iowa days after a combative GOP debate 2023 (Taylor’s Version): The year in pop culture Abortionabortion lawAP Top NewsGeneral NewsGOP legislationIowaKim Reynolds Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Joshua Brown Follow Author Joshua Brown is a political commentator who writes about the latest news and trends in national and international politics. He has a keen interest in social justice issues and is passionate about using his platform to give a voice to underrepresented communities. previous post Larry Nassar Stabbed in Prison Cell; Attack Unrecorded by Surveillance Cameras, Says AP Source next post EPA sets stricter limits on hydrofluorocarbons used in refrigerators, air conditioners You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 1 comment JaneDoe88 July 12, 2023 - 6:00 pm omg! cant blieve Iowa passing dis law! its like they dont care bout women’s rights! #outrage Reply Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ