The Iowa law banning most abortions could take effect as early as Friday, leading to a drastic shift in reproductive care in the state. The law, passed by Republicans in 2023, prohibits abortions once cardiac activity can be detected, typically around six weeks of pregnancy. The law has limited exceptions for cases of rape, incest, fetal abnormality, or if the woman’s life is at risk.
The ACLU of Iowa has asked the Iowa Supreme Court to rehear the case in a last-ditch effort to prevent the law from taking effect, but the court rarely grants such requests. Once the law goes into effect, an estimated 97-98% of abortions in Iowa will be banned, impacting an estimated 4,200 abortions performed in 2023.
Planned Parenthood and the Emma Goldman Clinic in Iowa will continue to provide abortion care to some extent, with Planned Parenthood expanding its health centers in surrounding states like Nebraska and Minnesota to accommodate increased demand. Patient navigators are ready to assist Iowa patients seeking care outside the state.
In response to the potential increase in patients seeking abortions from Iowa, clinics in Illinois are preparing for increased demand. Hope Clinic in Granite City saw a 357% increase in the number of Iowans seeking abortion care in the first six months of 2024. Many patients are confused about abortion laws and face fear, trauma, and financial burdens when seeking care, particularly women in rural areas.
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