Judge’s Ruling Temporarily Reverses New Abortion Restrictions in Iowa

In a recent development, a judge in Iowa has issued a temporary block on the state’s newly imposed restrictions on abortion, allowing the procedure to remain legal for now. Governor Kim Reynolds had recently signed the legislation into law, but its implementation has been put on hold pending a thorough evaluation of its constitutionality.

Under the new law, abortions would be prohibited in almost all cases once cardiac activity is detectable, typically around six weeks of pregnancy, a time when many women may not yet be aware that they are pregnant. However, with the judge’s ruling, the previous legal framework allowing abortions up to 20 weeks of pregnancy has been reinstated until a final decision on the matter is reached.

The legislation was passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature during an uncommon, extended session, prompting legal challenges from organizations such as the ACLU of Iowa, Planned Parenthood North Central States, and the Emma Goldman Clinic. Judge Joseph Seidlin presided over a hearing on the issue last Friday but reserved his decision, coinciding with Governor Reynolds signing the bill into law just a short distance away.

Abortion providers responded swiftly to the impending changes, accommodating as many appointments as possible prior to the bill’s signing. They made numerous calls to patients to ensure they were prepared for the uncertain circumstances and kept clinics open late to meet the increased demand.

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More about abortion restrictions

• Iowa judge temporarily blocks new abortion restrictions
• Details about Iowa’s new abortion restrictions
• ACLU of Iowa
• Planned Parenthood North Central States
• Emma Goldman Clinic