DES MOINES, Iowa- Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed Senate File 359, banning abortions when a fetal heartbeat can be detected. The measure passed this week in the Iowa House and Senate, after including some exceptions for rape and incest. It is considered one of the strictest abortion laws in the nation.
Approximately 200 pro-life supporters crowded into the Governor's Formal Office, and cheered when Reynolds signed the measure.
"I believe that all innocent life is precious, and sacred and as Governor, I have pledged to do everything in my power to protect it, and that's what I'm doing today," said Reynolds before she signed the bill into law. She acknowledged that she expects the bill to face legal challenges.
Not far from the Governor's Office, a crowd of about two dozen abortion rights protesters chanted in the Rotunda. They could be heard inside the Governor's office as she signed the bill into law.
Planned Parenthood of the Heartland held a rally at the Capitol earlier in the day, and issued a news release stating the organization intends to sue the Governor once she signs the measure into law.