Iowa's stringent six-week abortion ban, which bans most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy and takes effect on July 29, 2024, has sparked significant controversy in the state. Iowa is the fourth state with a six-week ban on abortions and there are 14 other states with bans on nearly all abortions, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. Planned Parenthood estimates that the new law will block most abortions in the state. The law not only bans abortions after cardiac activity is detected, which can be as early as six weeks of pregnancy but also allows specific penalties to be spelled out in administrative rules. Medical professionals criticize the use of the term 'fetal heartbeat' before ten weeks as the pregnancy is still considered an embryo and heart is not fully formed. People seeking an abortion must see a healthcare provider for an ultrasound and counseling, then wait 24 hours before getting abortion pills or a procedure. Doctors who violate the law could face licensing discipline or civil fines, but specific penalties are not spelled out in the law or administrative rules. Iowans are expected to travel to Minnesota, Nebraska and Illinois for abortions as Planned Parenthood has expanded services there.
