Key takeaways:
- The Iowa Legislature passed a bill banning most abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy late Tuesday night.
- The bill’s passage could send abortion clinics in the state, as well as women with appointments scheduled at them in coming days and weeks, into a scramble.
- The bill’s passage marks a major victory for pro-life advocates in Iowa, and could have far-reaching implications for abortion access in the state.
The Iowa Legislature passed a bill banning most abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy late Tuesday night, following a marathon special session called by Governor Kim Reynolds. The bill passed with exclusively Republican support, with the House voting 56-34 and the Senate voting 32-17.
The special session, which lasted more than 14 hours, was met with vocal objections from Democratic lawmakers and abortion advocates protesting at the Capitol. After the bill was passed, protesters in the gallery booed and yelled “shame” to state legislators.
Governor Reynolds, who called the special session for the sole purpose of enacting “pro-life” legislation, said in a statement that she would sign the bill on Friday. If the bill is not blocked by a court, it will go into effect immediately after Reynolds signs it.
The bill’s passage could send abortion clinics in the state, as well as women with appointments scheduled at them in coming days and weeks, into a scramble. Abortion advocates have already promised to challenge the law in court.
The bill’s passage marks a major victory for pro-life advocates in Iowa, and could have far-reaching implications for abortion access in the state. It remains to be seen how the law will be implemented and what its effects will be.
Be First to Comment