KDSN RADIO News
Iowa Legislature Passes Fetal Heartbeat Bill, Governor To Sign It Friday
After a 15-hour special session at the statehouse, the Republican-led legislature has passed a ban on most abortions in Iowa. The bill's almost identical to one Governor Reynolds approved five years ago. There are exceptions for certain medical conditions and for victims of rape and incest, but most abortions would be banned when cardiac activity can be detected, around the sixth week of pregnancy. The Iowa Supreme Court recently deadlocked on the governor's request to lift an injunction that's kept the 2018 law from going into effect. Senate President Amy Sinclair, a Republican from Allerton, said the law has been in limbo because of judicial overreach. "Needlessly forcing the legislature to re-pass a law that is already been enacted," Sinclair said, "in an effort to protect the lives of every single individual across our state who has a beating heart." All Democrats present voted against the bill. House Democratic Leader Jennifer Konfrst of Windsor Heights said the era of big government is back. "Women will be less free in a few hours than they are right now," Konfrst said. "...If the state can tell you you have to have a baby, what else can the state tell you? That you can't?" Governor Reynolds said the bill provides a clear answer to the Iowa Supreme Court about the legislature's intent and she plans to sign the bill into law Friday.
