Reproductive rights groups file lawsuit to block Iowa abortion ban

Abortion providers joined with the progressive American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to file a lawsuit challenging Iowa legislation banning abortion after the sixth week of pregnancy.

This Wednesday, the ACLU of Iowa filed a challenge with the Emma Goldman Clinic and Planned Parenthood. The lawsuit was filed in district court just hours after the Capitol passed the bill.

“We are asking the court to immediately act to protect Iowans’ access to essential health care,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood, the organization that provides abortion services.

According to McGill, everyone deserves the freedom to make decisions about their body, even if that includes ending the life of a developing baby.

Meanwhile, Republicans are celebrating the big step Iowa took. In fact, Iowa’s Republican governor, Kim Reynolds, expressed how important this legislature is to “protect life and end abortion at a heartbeat.”

“I believe the pro-life movement is the most important human rights cause of our time,” she said.

Before the law's approval, the governor reminded that this proposal has exceptions for rape, incest and cases in which the mother’s life is at risk.

When will it come into effect?

If the Iowa court does not intervene, the legislation will take effect once the governor signs the bill, which is expected to occur on Friday.

“When a life is determined to be over when a heartbeat ends, then why would a life not begin when a heartbeat is detected?” the Republican bench expressed about the bill.