What Kim Reynolds, Democrats are saying about the Iowa Supreme Court abortion ban ruling:
In a narrow 4-3 decision, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled Friday that an Iowa law banning most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy can proceed.
Iowa Republicans passed a so-called "fetal heartbeat" law in July 2023 that bans nearly all abortions after doctors detect cardiac activity in an embryo, which can happen about six weeks into pregnancy. There are narrow exceptions for cases of rape, incest, fatal fetal abnormalities and medical emergency.
The law was temporarily blocked in Polk County District Court, but the Iowa Supreme Court reversed the injunction and sent the case back to the district court for further legal proceedings, which remain pending.
More: Iowa Supreme Court ends injunction, says 'fetal heartbeat' abortion ban can take effect
The injunction will remain in place until the district court formally receives the case, a process that will take at least three weeks, according to Attorney General Brenna Bird's office.
A small group of supporters and opponents to the decision gathered inside the Capitol and spoke to reporters.
Maggie DeWitte, executive director of Pulse Life Advocates, said at the Capitol after the decision was announced that the decision is "monumental" for Iowa women and babies.
"A baby is a unique and distinct person from another and it deserves protection under our law," DeWitte said minutes after the ruling dropped.
"Abortion has been a plague in our society," DeWitte said. "And with the reversal of Roe v. Wade and abortion law going back to the individual states here in Iowa, we are protecting babies. We’re protecting women from the harm that abortion causes them. So this is a great day to be an Iowan."
Dr. Emily Boevers, an OB/GYN doctor and founder of Iowans for Health Liberty, said at the Capitol she is "deeply disappointed" that Iowa is one of the most restrictive states in the nation with this abortion ban.
"And I can guarantee that we will see negative effects for women and families moving forward, as an obstetrician/gynecologist practicing in rural Iowa and going to work every day to take the best care of my patients," she said. "I'm disappointed to know that I will not be able to offer them standard of care medicine when they seek it. I would urge anyone who is applauding this decision today to consider the women and families that will be harmed by this government overreach."
Boevers and fellow colleague Dr. William Newland, a retired OB/GYN, voiced concerns about the justices' decision and its greater impact on women's and families' access to health care. They said Iowa already ranks at the bottom in providing physicians who are trained to offer appropriate medical care and options for women, especially in situations that are complex and life-threatening.
Boevers said states' restrictive health care bans affect the recruitment and retention of medical professionals.
"We are handicapping our ability as health care providers to recruit peers to help us take care of the people in Iowa," Boevers said. "We are limiting the number of young people who want to continue their education here and the number of skilled educated physicians who want to practice here."
Newland, a longtime advocate for reproductive rights, said he was "extremely disappointed" by the decision and feared the ban's reach. Lack of access to health care leads to delayed consultations and diagnoses, said Newland, who recalled being in medical school during the landmark ruling of Roe v. Wade.
More: Iowa has a shortage of OB-GYN doctors. The new abortion ban could make that worse.
Here's how other Iowans reacted to the decision:
Gov. Kim Reynolds: Decision upholds will of Iowa voters
In a statement, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said:
"There is no right more sacred than life, and nothing more worthy of our strongest defense than the innocent unborn. Iowa voters have spoken clearly through their elected representatives, both in 2018 when the original heartbeat bill was passed and signed into law, and again in 2023 when it passed by an even larger margin. I’m glad that the Iowa Supreme Court has upheld the will of the people of Iowa.
"As the heartbeat bill finally becomes law, we are deeply committed to supporting women in planning for motherhood, and promoting fatherhood and its importance in parenting. We will continue to develop policies that encourage strong families, which includes promoting adoption and protecting in vitro fertilization (IVF). Families are the cornerstone of society, and it’s what will keep the foundation of our state and country strong for generations to come."
President Joe Biden: Iowa's abortion ban is extreme and dangerous
In a statement, President Joe Biden said:
"Today, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that the state’s extreme and dangerous abortion ban can go into effect. Iowa is the twenty-second state with an abortion ban, imposed by Republican elected officials, that puts women’s health and lives in jeopardy.
"This should never happen in America. Yet, this is exactly what is happening in states across the country since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. And it’s not stopping at the state level — Republican elected officials in Congress have proposed four national abortion bans while refusing to protect nationwide access to IVF and contraception.
"Vice President Harris and I believe that women in every state must have the right to make deeply personal decisions about their health. We will continue to call on Congress to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade in federal law and stand firm against efforts made by Republican elected officials to undermine Americans’ fundamental freedoms."
Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart: Decision strips women of reproductive rights
In a statement, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said:
"Today Iowa women have been stripped of reproductive rights that they have maintained for more than 50 years. We’ve already seen the effects that these new and extreme abortion bans have on states like Alabama — where IVF is in jeopardy — and in Texas, where women have been forced to miscarry in lobby restrooms because hospitals refused to help them while they’re experiencing medical emergencies.
"It's obvious Kim Reynolds and Iowa Republicans do not trust women to make their own decisions regarding their own medical care or for doctors to use their best judgment while treating their patients. Republicans went too far with this abortion ban, and Iowa voters will hold them accountable this November."
Iowa Access Abortion Fund: Decision devastates human rights
Iowa Access Abortion Fund is an organization that helps Iowans access abortion care that they might otherwise not be able to afford. Leah Vanden Bosch, development and outreach director for IAAF, said in a statement:
"The upholding of this abortion ban in Iowa is an absolute devastation and violation of human rights, depriving Iowans of their bodily autonomy. Abortion is essential health care that needs to be accessible to all. This ban will harm marginalized communities and puts the lives of all pregnant people at risk. We know a ban will not stop the need for abortions. Please continue to stay engaged and support people who need abortion care. By working together, we will continue to take care of one another."
Iowa Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver: Abortion law protects life
In a statement, Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, R-Grimes, said:
“Today’s decision marks a step in the right direction for the protection of life. While litigation continues, I appreciate the clarity the Supreme Court has provided on this issue. I am optimistic the common-sense law passed again last year to protect life at the sound of a heartbeat with exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother will be found constitutional.”
Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley: Decision is a victory to protect unborn
In a statement, Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, said:
"This ruling is a victory in the fight to protect unborn children in Iowa. The Legislature is elected by the people, and for too long, the courts have stood in the way of Iowans having their voices heard on this matter. We are a pro-life and pro-family state. In Iowa, we respect both the life of the unborn child and the life of the mother. While out-of-touch, far-left political groups fight for abortion up until the day of birth, we will continue to fight for common sense policies that promote and protect life.
"We will continue to promote strong families in all that we do in the Iowa House. We must build on the work we’ve already done to expand access to affordable child care, extend postpartum coverage on Medicaid, and improve our foster care and adoption systems."
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird: Work left to be done
In a statement, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said:
"Today’s Supreme Court decision to uphold Iowa’s heartbeat law sends a loud and clear message: Iowa stands for life. As Attorney General, I have been so grateful to defend Iowa’s heartbeat law and protect the unborn. While today’s decision is a landmark victory, we know that there is work left to be done. We will keep working to support Iowa families, parents, and the unborn as the fight for life continues."
Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison: Women will suffer under 'extreme' abortion ban
Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison said in a statement:
"Today, because of Donald Trump, women in Iowa will now suffer under an extreme abortion ban that MAGA extremists have been itching to enact ever since Trump’s hand-picked Supreme Court justices overturned Roe v. Wade two years ago this week — a decision that he has repeatedly and proudly taken credit for. This will further strain health providers in nearby Midwestern states, and further deepen a growing maternal mortality crisis currently seen in the region."
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser: Decision is a win for life
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said in a statement:
"... More boys and girls will be given the right to live and the opportunity to bless their families, serve their communities, and fulfill their God-given purpose on this earth. We thank Gov. Kim Reynolds, Attorney General Brenna Bird and legislators for persisting in the fight for life and representing the people’s will to protect babies with a heartbeat."
Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum: Iowans will die because of ruling
Iowa Senate Democratic Leader Pam Jochum, D-Dubuque, said in a statement:
"June 28 will be remembered as a tragic day in Iowa history. With today’s Supreme Court ruling, a small group of extreme Republican politicians and activist judges have violated nearly two centuries of tradition in Iowa — eliminating fundamental rights rather than expanding them and attacking personal freedom rather than defending it.
“Extreme anti-choice Republicans are obsessed with controlling Iowans’ lives and dictating their personal health decisions. And today, an activist court used its power to enforce that restrictive ideology rather than applying common sense, legal precedent, and the Iowa constitution. With this ruling, Iowans’ healthcare options are being decided by politicians rather than doctors. Iowans’ futures will be chosen for them. Many Iowans will suffer because of this ruling, and some will die because of it.
"Senate Democrats stand with the majority of Iowans who support safe and legal access to abortion. This despicable and dangerous ruling cannot be the last word on reproductive rights and personal freedom in Iowa. Activist judges and anti-choice Republicans cannot be allowed to control Iowans’ lives.
"In the face of this injustice, Iowans must stand up to attacks on their basic freedom and privacy – and they’ll have an opportunity to do so this November at the ballot box. Extreme Republicans must pay a political price for ignoring the will of the people and trampling on fundamental rights.
"Finally, this ruling is also a warning for Iowa’s future. If extreme Republicans and activist judges are willing to reject clear public sentiment to undermine longstanding rights, then no other freedoms are secure either. What rights will they come for next?"
Iowa House Democratic Leader Jennifer Konfrst: Iowans need to hold elected officials accountable
Iowa House Democratic Leader Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights, said in a statement:
"Today’s ruling is devastating for so many Iowans. Iowa Republicans have just gone too far. They are out of touch with the majority of Iowans who want reproductive freedom.
"Everyone deserves the right to make their own healthcare decisions, especially when it comes to reproductive care and abortion. Politicians and judges have no place interfering in someone else’s decisions about when to start a family. Iowa Democrats will put people over politics and keep fighting every single day to save our reproductive freedom in Iowa.
"Now is the time for Iowans to hold their elected officials accountable."
Iowa GOP: State moving in the right direction
Iowa GOP co-chair Linda Upmeyer said in a statement:
"There is no right more sacred than life, and protecting the unborn is incredibly important. Iowa, led by Republicans, is moving in the right direction of protecting life while out-of-touch, far-left progressive groups advocate for abortion up until birth. Iowa voters elect legislators to represent their values, and Iowans have made their voices heard: we need to defend the defenseless and continue to value life."
Iowa Rep. Zach Nunn: Committed to mothers, babies
U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, a Republican representing the 3rd Congressional District, said in a statement:
“The Dobbs decision returned abortion policy to the states where it can be decided by the minds and hearts of the people of each state. I support today’s decision by the Iowa Supreme Court and remain committed to supporting babies, mothers and women.”
Connie Ryan, executive director of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa: Iowa Supreme Court got it wrong
Connie Ryan, executive director of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, said in a statement:
"Iowans overwhelmingly support the ability of every person to be able to control their own body and make their own health care decisions, including safe and legal abortion, without interference from the government or any religion.
"The majority on the Iowa Supreme Court, quite simply, got it wrong. The right to control one’s body and choose medically approved and safe procedures is a fundamental right. Abortion is health care. No court (or elected official) should ever be able to take away the right to access safe and legal abortion for those who seek it.
"Iowans know the fight is not over and we will continue to work to protect the rights of Iowans to control our own bodies and make our own health care decisions, including whether to access abortion or not. Interfaith Alliance of Iowa will work tirelessly with our partners to ensure every person has access to safe and legal abortion whether within the borders of Iowa or beyond.
"In the meantime, it is critical that every Iowan understand what is at stake in our state and our democracy. We must ensure that those elected to public office believe in and support the bodily autonomy of every person and to make their own decision regarding abortion. No elected official – or justice – has the right to interfere in that very fundamental right and private decision."
Iowa Democrats say this is not what Iowans want
The Iowa Democratic Party held a news conference late Friday morning with elected Democratic officials, all four candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives and Dr. Francesca Turner of Iowans for Health Liberty, an OB/GYN based in Des Moines.
"This is a game changer, right? This is actual reality," Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said. "This is going to slap people in the face and tell them, 'wake up!' This is not just something that we're discussing. This is actually happening and people are going to be affected by it. That's a game changer for folks."
They said the law will have a devastating effect on doctors' ability to provide necessary medical care to women and on doctors making medical decisions, who could potentially lose their licenses.
Turner called the law "unscientific and unethical."
"I think that we are all political people, and that's why we're gathered here today, as political people," Iowa House Democratic Leader Jennifer Konfrst, D-Windsor Heights, said at the news conference. "But I think it's important to remember that the personal impacts of this legislation and this ruling are devastating, really beyond measure. And so while we think politics and we talked about the politics of it, let's remember today that women will die, and women will leave the state because of what happened today and what Republicans have been pushing for for a long time. It is also incredibly out of step with what Iowans want."
Konfrst said Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen's dissent makes clear that the exceptions in the law treat women as little more than a means to an end.
"That's what this rule does. It puts fetuses above women and politics above people," she said.
Choking up, Konfrst described the day as devastating and said Iowa Republicans have gone too far while being out of touch with the majority of Iowans.
"As women out there are thinking about what this means, please pause and know that we are with you and that there can be change, and the people who are to blame for this will be held accountable, and we all need to come together and act," she said.
Iowa Auditor Rob Sand said he believes Republicans will go after contraception, surrogacy and in vitro fertilization next.
"There is no limit at which they will say they will stop, other than total state control of reproduction," he said.
Christina Bohannan, running against U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in Iowa's 1st Congressional District, said the decision will impact her own daughter.
"I am shocked to know that my daughter will have fewer rights than I did," Bohannan said.
Sarah Corkery, running against U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson in the 2nd Congressional District, called the ruling "complete bulls---."
"I trust women," Corkery said. "I trust Iowans over politicians, and you should too."
Ryan Melton, running against U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra in the 4th Congressional District, said he is running in one of the most conservative districts in the country, but many constituents there believe the abortion ban goes too far.
Melton pointed to a case in Texas where state Attorney General Ken Paxton appealed a woman's court-approved abortion and said the law has no guardrails preventing Reynolds or Bird from frightening health care providers into inaction.
Speakers at the Democrats' news conference also said the exceptions in the law are too limited — such as allowing exceptions for rape and incest only if they are reported to law enforcement within a certain number of days — too vague or unworkable.
"When you think about who is the victim of incest, it is most frequently children," Turner said. "Why would a child not know they're pregnant? Because they don't know what pregnancy is."
Chris Higgins covers the northern and eastern suburbs for the Register. Reach him at [email protected] or 515-423-5146 and follow him on Twitter @chris_higgins_.
F. Amanda Tugade covers social justice issues for the Des Moines Register. Email her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @writefelissa.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa Supreme Court lets abortion law take effect. How Iowans reacted: