On June 21, 2018, the Iowa Supreme Court blocked the implementation of a 6-week abortion ban, which was signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds in May. The ban, known as the “fetal heartbeat” bill, would have prohibited abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can occur as early as six weeks into a pregnancy.
The decision by the Iowa Supreme Court was based on the state’s constitution, which provides greater protection for abortion rights than the U.S. Constitution. The court ruled that the ban violated the Iowa Constitution’s guarantee of “equal protection under the law” and “due process.”
The ruling was a victory for reproductive rights advocates who had challenged the law in court. They argued that the ban was unconstitutional and would have effectively banned almost all abortions in the state, as many women do not even realize they are pregnant until after six weeks.
The decision also highlighted the ongoing battle over abortion rights in the United States. While some states have passed restrictive abortion laws, others have moved to protect and expand access to abortion. The Iowa Supreme Court’s decision was seen as a blow to the anti-abortion movement, which has been pushing for more restrictive laws across the country.
The ruling also comes at a time when the Supreme Court of the United States is poised to shift further to the right with the recent confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Many reproductive rights advocates fear that this could lead to a reversal of Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that legalized abortion nationwide.
In response to the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision, Governor Reynolds issued a statement expressing her disappointment and vowing to continue fighting for the ban. She said that she believed that “every human life is precious” and that she would work to “make Iowa the safest place in America for unborn children.”
However, reproductive rights advocates celebrated the ruling as a victory for women’s health and autonomy. They argued that access to safe and legal abortion is a fundamental right that should not be restricted by politicians.
The Iowa Supreme Court’s decision is likely to have implications beyond the state’s borders. Other states with restrictive abortion laws may face similar challenges in court, and the ruling could set a precedent for future cases.
Overall, the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision to block the implementation of the 6-week abortion ban was a significant victory for reproductive rights advocates. It underscored the ongoing battle over abortion rights in the United States and highlighted the need for continued advocacy and activism to protect women’s health and autonomy.
