Abortion Law in America: Judge Halts Law in Iowa

As of Friday, the US state of Iowa has enacted a comprehensive abortion ban. On Monday, a district judge temporarily suspended the law.

For them, the decision was a failure: Iowa’s Republican governor, Kim Reynolds Photo: Phelan M. Ebenhock/AP

Berlin taz | A new, tougher abortion law took effect in the US state of Iowa within three days of being struck down by a district judge. On Monday, Polk County District Judge Joseph Seidlin ruled that the new law would be put on hold until the main issue is resolved. Several individuals and organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood, appealed against the law, which was passed by Iowa’s Republican majority in Congress. They have a good chance of succeeding, Judge Seidlin argued.

Iowa’s Republican governor, Kim Reynolds, signed the legislation last Friday after calling a special session of Congress to pass the new law.

The so-called heartbeat restriction is also used in Iowa, according to which abortion is legal — usually from the sixth week of pregnancy. Many women do not even know they are pregnant at this time.

After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a historic 1973 abortion ruling last year, Iowa is one of the few Republican-controlled states.

Adjournment is further jurisdictional

Representatives of the plaintiff organizations responded with satisfaction at the district judge’s decision. “We are very relieved that the court granted this stay so that essential health care can continue in Iowa,” said Dr. Abe Hardy-Fairbanks is the medical director of the Emma Goldman Clinic, which also performs abortions. “We recognize that Gold is pending further jurisdiction and that the future of abortion law in Iowa is in jeopardy.”

Jennifer Confrest, the Democratic leader of the House of Representatives of Iowa, also welcomed the decision. “Iowas support and deserve the fundamental right to make health care decisions about their own bodies,” he said.