WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Iowa’s Six-Week Abortion Ban Goes Into Effect

“[Republicans] think that government, not women, know what’s best for themselves and for their families.”

Des Moines, IA — Yesterday – one year after Iowa MAGA Republicans passed one of the strictest abortion bans in the country, banning abortion before most women know they’re pregnant – the ban went into effect. All because Donald Trump overturned Roe v. Wade.

On Monday, Democrats from across the state called out Republicans for implementing this dangerous and unpopular abortion ban.

Take a look at what Democrats, Iowans, care providers and more had to say about the ban below:

Des Moines Register: Iowa’s 6-week abortion ban expected to become a pivotal election issue this November

“Essentially, what Kim Reynolds, Brenna Bird and the Republicans have done is practice medicine without a license,” [IDP Chair Rita Hart said. “They think that government, not women, know what’s best for themselves and for their families.”

Iowa City Press-Citizen: Bohannan criticizes Miller-Meeks as ‘devastating and dangerous’ abortion law takes effect

“What common sense tells us and what everyday Iowans know is that every woman is different and every pregnancy is different,” Bohannan said. “You cannot legislate every pregnancy and every situation. But Representative Miller-Meeks either doesn’t get that or she doesn’t care.”

Iowa News Now: Iowa Democrats to prioritize abortion rights ahead of November election

“Since I was a little girl, the title I’ve always wanted is mother,” Bierman said. “I’m probably the last person on earth who would ever choose to have an abortion, but that wasn’t my reality. It was just that, a choice, between life and death.”

KCRG: Election 2024: How Iowa’s abortion law could affect state legislature races

Iowa State University Political Science Professor Dave Peterson says framing elections around abortion rights generally helps Democrats. “The record post-Dobbs has been that when an election gets framed to be about abortion – either abortion is specifically on the ballot or that’s what the candidates have chosen to focus on and what voters are thinking about. That’s good for Democrats,” Peterson said.

Iowa Capital Dispatch: VP Kamala Harris calls for Iowans to vote as abortion law takes effect

“So today, Iowa put in place a Trump abortion ban, which makes Iowa the 22nd state in our country to have a Trump abortion ban,” Harris said. “And this ban is going to take effect before many women even know they’re pregnant. And what this means is that 1 in 3 women of reproductive age in America lives in a state with a Trump abortion ban.”

Des Moines Register: Iowa clinics rushed to treat women before a 6-week ban began. Some couldn’t make it in time.

“We now live in a reality where politicians have control over Iowans’ bodies and futures,” Dr. Sarah Traxler, chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood North Central States, said in a media briefing Friday.

Washington Post: Iowa abortion ban taking effect as residents flee out of state for care

The Chicago Abortion Fund received more than 60 support requests from Iowa residents during the first three weeks of July, a 165 percent increase over previous months. “It’s staggering even to me,” executive director Megan Jeyifo said Wednesday.

Minnesota Public Radio: Minnesota Prepares for Iowa’s abortion restriction to take effect on Monday

On Thursday, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan toured the clinic and reiterated that Iowans seeking abortions are welcome in the state. “If you’re afraid, come to Minnesota, we’ve got you.”

People: Iowa’s 6-week abortion ban takes effect as majority of residents believe it should be legal

A 2023 poll suggested that only 35% of Iowans support abortion restrictions.

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