Iowa passes controversial heartbeat bill amidst protests at Capitol.

Iowa Lawmakers Pass Bill Banning Most Abortions

In a significant move, Iowa lawmakers have passed a bill that prohibits most abortions once an unborn child’s heartbeat can be detected, typically around six weeks into the pregnancy.

This legislation comes after the Iowa Supreme Court blocked the state’s 2018 Heartbeat Act last month, prompting Republican Governor Kim Reynolds to call a special session to address the issue. Governor Reynolds has expressed her intention to sign the bill on Friday.

“The Iowa Supreme Court questioned whether this legislature would pass the same law they did in 2018, and today they have a clear answer. The voices of Iowans and their democratically elected representatives cannot be ignored any longer, and justice for the unborn should not be delayed,”

The bill includes exceptions in cases of rape or incest. Governor Reynolds, a pro-life advocate, emphasized her commitment to supporting women in planning for motherhood, promoting the importance of fatherhood, and encouraging strong families.

The bill passed with a vote of 56-34 in the House and 32-17 in the Senate, receiving strong support from Republicans and opposition from Democrats.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILY WIRE APP

Republican state Senator Amy Sinclair passionately defended the bill, stating, “This bill ensures all life is protected when a heartbeat is detected. The child in her mother’s womb has her own heartbeat, her own DNA. She’s a baby, and she deserves the same protections as any other baby in the state.”

The passing of the bill was accompanied by heated debates among legislators and protests within the Capitol. Democratic Senator Liz Bennett expressed her disagreement with Senator Sinclair’s remarks, leading to a call for decorum.

Videos from the Capitol captured the intensity of the situation, with pro-abortion protesters chanting and yelling at Iowa lawmakers. Another video showed a verbal confrontation between Pastor Michael Shover and a woman supporting abortion rights, highlighting the deep divide on this issue.

The Iowa Supreme Court had previously struck down the 2018 Heartbeat Bill, stating that it could not be implemented under Roe v. Wade. The passage of this new bill signifies the legislature’s determination to address the matter once again.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases