Iowa Governor Enacts Stricter Abortion Ban, Prompting Lawsuit
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds recently called a special session on abortion after the state’s previous six-week ban was blocked by the Iowa Supreme Court. The legislature quickly passed a nearly identical set of restrictions on the procedure. However, within hours of the passage, Iowa providers and abortion-rights advocates filed a lawsuit, arguing that the new law was unconstitutional.
This special session solidifies Iowa’s shift to the right politically and ends its status as a Republican-led state where abortions are allowed up to 20 weeks post-fertilization. The recently passed bill, supported by Republicans, allows for abortions until a “detectable fetal heartbeat” is present. This term is disputed by medical groups. The legislation assumes this occurs around the sixth week of pregnancy. There are exceptions in cases of rape or incest, when the woman’s life is in serious danger, or when there are fetal abnormalities “incompatible with life.”
If the abortion-rights advocates succeed in court, the law could be temporarily suspended while the legal case progresses. However, Joseph Seidlin, a district court judge in Polk County, has chosen not to make an immediate ruling. He believes the decision requires careful consideration to avoid appearing flippant. Both sides of the debate have presented their arguments.
Abortion-rights activists argue that the ban would cause immediate harm to Iowans. They claim it violates state constitutional rights. On the other hand, the assistant attorney general in Iowa, Daniel Johnston, defends the law, stating that it is constitutional under the “rational basis” test. He highlights the aim of preventing the destruction of human lives.
The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for the future of abortion access in Iowa. As the debate continues, it is crucial to acknowledge the various perspectives and consider the potential consequences for individuals seeking reproductive healthcare in the state.
