Doctors caution that exceptions to Iowa’s new abortion law are unfeasible

DES MOINES, Iowa – Doctors in Iowa are raising concerns about new abortion restrictions set to go into effect in the state, saying the law will make it difficult to apply exceptions in real-life medical emergencies. Under the new law, abortions are banned once cardiac activity can be detected, which usually occurs around the sixth week of pregnancy. Doctors fear that the law could force them to consider legal and professional ramifications while making life-or-death decisions for pregnant women. Advocates for abortion access say the law effectively bans the vast majority of abortions in Iowa.

Doctors argue that exceptions in cases where a woman’s life is at risk, or if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, are too vague and difficult to apply in medical practice. The law does not specify punishments for doctors who violate it, leaving that decision up to the Iowa Board of Medicine. Physicians fear losing their licenses or facing legal consequences for trying to save someone’s life in a medical emergency.

The Iowa Supreme Court recently upheld the law’s constitutionality, but its implementation is still on hold pending a rehearing. Until the restrictions go into effect, abortion is legal in Iowa until roughly the 20th week of pregnancy. Doctors and advocates are calling on lawmakers to reconsider the new law, saying it puts physicians in a difficult position and restricts access to necessary medical care for pregnant women.

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