Iowa Enforces Six-Week Abortion Ban Amid Ongoing National Debate

Iowa has implemented a ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, joining 21 other states with stringent abortion laws following the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn federal abortion rights. The law allows exceptions for rape cases, medical emergencies, and fatal fetal anomalies.

Iowa enforced a six-week abortion ban on Monday, becoming the 22nd state to impose strict abortion restrictions since the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 overturning of federal abortion rights. The ban, effective before many women know they are pregnant, has exceptions for rape, medical emergencies, and fatal fetal anomalies.

The law passed during a special legislative session in 2023, following the state Supreme Court's inability to revive a 2018 ban. Efforts by Democrats to expand exceptions, including one for children aged 12 or under, were rejected by the Republican-majority legislature.

Until now, abortion was legal in Iowa up to 20 weeks. Maggie DeWitte, executive director of anti-abortion group Pulse Life Advocates, celebrated the law and expressed hope for stricter legislation in future sessions. Meanwhile, pro-abortion rights advocates, including Planned Parenthood, vowed to continue their fight.

(With inputs from agencies.)