Effects of Six Week Abortion Ban
Iowa’s six week abortion ban is now in effect and bans most abortions after “cardiac activity” is detected. The law includes some exceptions in cases of rape, incest, fetal abnormalities and when the mother’s life is in danger, but there are requirements that may complicate access for many women and girls in those situations. Former Des Moines Register columnist Julie Gammack has a great podcast that explores the impact of this law in her “Potluck” podcast with Dr. Rebecca Shaw (a West Des Moines OB/GYN), Mary Riche (Iowans for Health Liberty), and Mazie Stilwell (Planned Parenthood). Check it out on Substack: https://okobojiwriters.substack.com/p/loss-of-abortion-rights-in-iowa
I’m very concerned that this policy may be having an unintended effect, of driving medical personnel out of the state. Our legislature does not appear to understand the chilling effect this new law has on our medical college down in Iowa City. We already have medical deserts, where women must drive an hour to deliver a baby.