Iowa Supreme Court denies effort to block abortion law

Des Moines, Iowa – Following the official denial of Planned Parenthood’s request to rehear the case by the Iowa Supreme Court, the state of Iowa has enacted a new abortion law.

Once heart activity is found, usually around six weeks into a pregnancy, the legislation will prohibit abortions. Certain exceptions are permitted by law: incest reported within 140 days, rape reported within 45 days, and medical emergencies where the life of the pregnant mother is in jeopardy.

Doctors are mandated by law to inform expectant mothers in writing if they observe any activity and whether or not abortion is illegal in their situation. The expectant mother must then sign to confirm that they have received the information.

Although a judge halted the ban, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds approved the legislation in July 2023. Before the Iowa Supreme Court decided 4–3 last month to allow the law to go into effect, it had been put on hold for almost a year.

Planned Parenthood had requested that the Iowa Supreme Court reconsider the matter; however, the court declined, and the case will now be referred to a district court judge, who will determine when the law’s injunction will be officially lifted.