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Iowa's Strict Abortion Ban, Effective July 29, Prohibits Most Abortions After Six Weeks

Jul 29, 2024, 12:35 PM

Iowa's near-total abortion ban, one of the strictest in the nation, is set to take effect on Monday, July 29. The law prohibits most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy, a time before many women know they are pregnant. Exceptions are allowed only in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the patient. The new legislation has prompted many Iowa residents to seek care in neighboring states, such as Minnesota, which is preparing for an influx of patients. The Chicago Abortion Fund has reported a 165 percent increase in calls from pregnant patients in Iowa this month. The ban marks a significant policy victory for Republicans in the state and changes the landscape of abortion access in the Midwest. Iowa will be the 22nd state with an abortion ban in effect.