Key takeaways:
- Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law a ban on most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy.
- The law prohibits almost all abortions once cardiac activity can be detected, usually around six weeks of pregnancy.
- The new law has been met with criticism from abortion rights advocates, who argue that the law is unconstitutional and violates the rights of women.
On Friday, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law a ban on most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy. The law takes effect immediately, leaving abortion clinics to scramble to arrange out-of-state care for many women whose access to abortion has been cut off.
The new legislation prohibits almost all abortions once cardiac activity can be detected, which is usually around six weeks of pregnancy and before many women know they are pregnant. This is a dramatic shift for Iowan women, as abortion had been legal up to 20 weeks of pregnancy.
A court hearing took place Friday, but the judge said his ruling on whether to halt the new law as the courts assess its constitutionality will likely not come until Monday at the earliest. Abortion advocates have requested to put the restrictions on hold, but the law is still in effect until the judge’s ruling.
The new law has been met with criticism from abortion rights advocates, who argue that the law is unconstitutional and violates the rights of women. The law is also opposed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa, which has promised to challenge the law in court.
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