Catherine Pollard, an intern with Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa’s Political Action Committee, recently went door-to-door in Johnston, a Des Moines suburb, to rally support for two local Democrats running for the Iowa Legislature who support abortion rights. Abortion has become a focal point in the upcoming elections in Iowa, particularly after a state Supreme Court ruling allowed a controversial law banning the procedure when cardiac activity is detected to go into effect. Recent polling shows a majority of Iowans disapprove of the new law, making it a key issue for Democratic candidates in the state.
Professor Chris Larimer from the University of Northern Iowa noted that abortion has historically been a winning issue for Democrats in terms of polling, and it is likely to continue to be a prominent topic in this election cycle. The issue has put Iowa Republicans on the defense, with Democratic candidates like Christina Bohannan and Lanon Baccam accusing their opponents of supporting strict abortion bans. Republican candidates, including U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, have had to clarify their positions on abortion to appeal to a majority of voters who do not support the state’s abortion restrictions.
Overall, the debate over abortion rights is expected to drive more voters to the polls this year, with supporters of abortion rights feeling motivated to create political change through voting. For those who want to see changes in current abortion laws in Iowa, voting in the upcoming elections is seen as the most effective way to make their voices heard.
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