The Iowa Supreme Court recently upheld a law allowing the state to enforce a ban on most abortions after approximately six weeks of pregnancy. The law prohibits abortions once early signs of cardiac activity can be detected in a foetus or embryo, with exceptions for cases of rape, incest, foetal abnormalities, and when the mother’s life is at risk.
The court’s decision overturned a temporary block on the law, passed by the state legislature in July 2023. The majority opinion stated that the law was rationally connected to the state’s interest in protecting unborn life. However, Chief Justice Susan Christensen dissented, arguing that the law disregarded women’s bodily autonomy and relied on outdated traditions.
Governor Kim Reynolds supported the decision, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the court’s alignment with the will of Iowa residents. This move makes Iowa the latest state to tighten abortion restrictions following the overturning of Roe v Wade, with 14 states now having total abortion bans.
As abortion laws continue to evolve across the US, the Iowa ruling reflects a broader trend towards more stringent regulations on the procedure.