The Republicans joined Democrats in opposition to the bill, dubbed the “fetal heartbeat bill”, but it passed both chambers easily as Iowa is now a deep red state.
Rep. Timi Brown-Powers proposed an amendment to make abortion legal with no exceptions for children under 12, but this failed. Rep. Austin Baeth’s amendment proposed removing dangerous and cumbersome reporting requirements for rape and incest, but Republicans sided with Gov. Reynolds over the survivors of those crimes.
Gov. Reynolds Statement on Special Session to Protect Life:
Gov. Kim Reynolds released the following statement in response to the Iowa Legislature passing the heartbeat bill:
“Today, the Iowa legislature once again voted to protect life and end abortion at a heartbeat, with exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother.”
“The Iowa Supreme Court questioned whether this legislature would pass the same law they did in 2018, and today they have a clear answer. The voices of Iowans and their democratically elected representatives cannot be ignored any longer, and justice for the unborn should not be delayed.”
“As a pro-life Governor, I am also committed to continuing policies to support women in planning for motherhood, promote the importance of fatherhood, and encourage strong families. Our state and country will be stronger because of it.”
Gov. Reynolds plans to sign the bill on Friday, July 14, 2023.
