Iowa Republicans Step Back on Abortion Ban Bill

Iowa Republicans have decided not to advance a bill that would have banned all abortions in the state.

Key Points

• Bill Details:
• Considered life to begin at conception.
• Made performing an abortion a class A felony, punishable by life in prison without parole.

• Included exemptions for life-threatening situations and medical emergencies.

• Supporter's Statement:
• Rep. Jon Dunwell, the bill's main supporter, stated it lacked necessary backing from his party.
• Decided to focus on other issues instead.

• Future Plans:
• Dunwell still believes in the bill but felt the timing was not right.
• Plans to focus on other ways to restrict abortion, such as new limits on abortion medication.

Current Iowa Law

• Bans most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy.
• Signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds in 2023, took effect in 2024 after a court challenge.
• Includes exceptions for rape, incest, and medical emergencies, including preserving the life of the pregnant person or preventing serious harm to their health.