Iowa Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments On 'Fetal Heartbeat' Law

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(Des Moines, IA) -- The Iowa Supreme Court hears arguments over the state's "fetal heartbeat" law.

"Like the Iowa Constitution, in the federal constitution, there is no right to be found for abortion," said Iowa Solicitor General Eric Wessan.

Passed in July 2023, the law would ban abortions in Iowa once fetal cardiac activity is detected, which is typically around six weeks of pregnancy.

Planned Parenthood of the Heartland sued, leading to an injunction blocking the law.

"Autonomy and dominion over one's own body go to the very heart of what it means to be free," said Planned Parenthood Attorney Peter Im. "That's what's at stake in this case."

The law includes exceptions for rape, incest, fetal abnormalities, and medical emergencies for the mother.

A decision from the Iowa Supreme Court is expected in June.


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