On Monday, Iowa's stringent abortion law came into effect, immediately banning most abortions after approximately six weeks of pregnancy, a time when many women may not yet be aware they are pregnant. The law, long sought by Iowa's Republican leaders, gained momentum following the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. The Iowa Supreme Court also ruled that there is no constitutional right to abortion in the state.
Republican Governor Kim Reynolds expressed her support for the law, stating, 'There is no right more sacred than life.' With the Iowa Supreme Court upholding the will of the people, the law now joins four other states in banning abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy, while 14 states have near-total bans at all stages of pregnancy.
Despite legal challenges from abortion providers, the law is now in effect, with limited exceptions for cases of rape, incest, fetal abnormality, or when the mother's life is in danger. Previously, abortion in Iowa was legal up to 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Providers have been preparing for the law by shoring up abortion access in neighboring states and offering support services to those affected. Planned Parenthood and other clinics in Iowa will continue to provide in-person abortion procedures before cardiac activity can be detected, which typically occurs around six weeks.
While the law is based on cardiac activity, providers acknowledge the challenges of pinpointing the exact gestational age and have committed to supporting individuals seeking abortion care. Planned Parenthood has made investments within and outside of Iowa to mitigate the impact of the restrictions, including offering services in neighboring states.
However, concerns remain about the potential exacerbation of health inequalities for women of color and residents from low-income households in Iowa. The changing landscape of abortion laws across the country, coupled with ongoing court battles, has led to varying levels of access and restrictions, driving up demand in states with more lenient regulations.
