The Iowa law banning most abortions after six weeks has lifted the waiting period, but the enforcement start date remains undetermined. Planned Parenthood of the Heartland has filed a petition for rehearing alongside ACLU of Iowa, Emma Goldman Clinic, and Dr. Sarah Traxler, challenging the law’s constitutionality. The Iowa Supreme Court must respond to this request before the law can be enforced.
Planned Parenthood is concerned about a lack of notice before lifting the injunction, potentially causing medical issues for patients and providers. The law would ban 97% to 98% of abortions currently performed in Iowa and has exceptions for rape, incest, and life-threatening situations. Abortion is currently legal up to 20 weeks until the injunction is lifted.
Further court proceedings are expected, with Planned Parenthood considering challenging the Iowa Board of Medicine’s rules on the ban. The state’s position is that the constitutionality of the law should be assessed using the “rational basis” test. They are asking for a summary judgment to resolve the lawsuit before trial.
District Court Judge Jeffrey Farrell is currently overseeing the case and expects a delay before the injunction is lifted. The Iowa Supreme Court decision will determine the next steps in the legal process. Planned Parenthood is seeking guidance on joining additional claims to the current lawsuit or presenting them separately.
Source
Photo credit iowacapitaldispatch.com
