Iowa v. Pro-choice Laws

NARAL Pro-choice America

NARAL Pro-choice America Foundation gives Iowa a “C” when it comes to laws that enable a woman’s right to control her own body, with only 5 percent of Iowa counties actually providing abortion facilites.

Why the “C,” you ask?  Here’s a round-up of Iowans and Iowa laws pertaining to choice.

Who’s Who in Iowa Choice

Pro-choice Iowans include Gov. Tom Vilsack (D), Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson (D), and the Iowa Democratic Party.

Mixed-choice Iowans include Attorney General Tom Miller (D) and the Iowa Senate.

Anti-choice Iowans include the Iowa House and the Iowa Republican Party.  (Source)



Now that we’ve got the lay of the land, so to speak, let’s take a look at some important choice-related Iowa laws.


Unconstitutional Abortion Ban

Iowa has an unconstitutional and unenforceable criminal ban on abortions performed as early as 12 weeks.  A court held that Iowa's ban is unconstitutional because it imposes an undue burden on women seeking abortions and has issued a permanent injunction prohibiting its enforcement.  (Source)


Public Facilities Restriction

Iowa prohibits the use of some public facilities for the performance of abortions.  Iowa law severely restricts the conditions under which a woman can terminate a pregnancy at the University of Iowa hospital.  (Source)


Refusal to Provide Medical Services

Iowa allows individuals and hospitals that are not controlled, maintained, and supported by a public authority to refuse to provide abortion services.  (Source)


Restrictions on Low-Income Women's Access to Abortion

Iowa prohibits public funding for abortion for women eligible for state medical assistance for general health care except in extreme cases.  (Source)


Restrictions on Young Women's Access to Abortion

Iowa law restricts young (under 18) women's access to abortion services by mandating parental notice.  Consent is not required, and only one parent need be notified.  This serves to delay any abortion procedure by a minimum of 48 hours after written notice is provided in person.  (Source)


Well, that’s the GOP strategy for you:  they slowly whittle away at our rights to control our own bodies until we have no rights left.

Next up on the docket:  What’s good about choice in Iowa?