Iowa set to ban abortions after six weeks

  • Iowa set to ban abortions after six weeks

Iowa is set to become the first US state to ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, after lawmakers approved the most restrictive ban in the country. Republican lawmakers in the state passed the bill banning the procedure after the point that a foetal heartbeat is detected. 

The bill must now go to Iowa's top official to write the bill into law. Kim Reynolds, the Republican governor, has not said if she will sign the bill.

If it comes into effect, the law will ban most terminations after six weeks of pregnancy, a move which women's rights groups say will be the country's most restrictive abortion law.

The "heartbeat" bill, as it has come to be known, requires women to have an ultrasound to screen for a foetal heartbeat before they can receive an abortion. Critics have argued it will make having an abortion illegal before most women even realise they are pregnant. 

The bill exempts women seeking abortions in cases of rape or incest, or if the pregnancy threatens the woman's life. The bill follows an increasing move towards restricting abortions across the US ahead of the November midterm elections.

Republican lawmakers are eager to advance pro-life causes ahead of the election race in case they lose their majorities.

 





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