Governor Kim Reynolds says today the state of Iowa won't appeal the decision by a Polk County District Court judge to throw out the bill outlawing abortions when a fetal heartbeat is detected.
In a news release Monday afternoon, the Governor says she doesn't see a way to victory in appealing the ruling to the Iowa Supreme Court. She says the court has already declared their is a fundamental right to an abortion in the Iowa Constitution and it has thrown out Iowa's 72 hour waiting period for abortions.
The Iowa House and Senate are likely to debate an amendment to the state constitution this year and in another two years that would state there is no inherit right to an abortion in the Iowa Constitution.
Governor Reynolds says, "Rather than be distracted by a losing legal battle, now is the time to renew our focus on changing hearts and minds and to seek other ways to advance the cause of protecting the unborn in Iowa and around the nation. I’m proud to lead the most pro-life state in the country and remain firm in my belief that all human life is precious.”
ACLU vows to fight
In a statement Monday evening, the ACLU of Iowa indicated it was pleased that Governor Reynolds decided not to appeal the decision of the Polk County District Court Judge.
But it vowed to fight any effort in the legislature to put a constitutional ban on abortions into the Iowa Constitution. A constitutional amendment was introduced in both the Iowa House and Senate that states there is no right to an abortion nor guarantee of one in the Iowa Constitution.
Neither of those two resolutions has seen subcommittee or committee debate yet.