For Immediate Release
June 30, 2024
Des Moines, IA – Iowa Physicians for Reproductive Freedom (IAPRF) expresses profound disappointment and grave concern regarding the Iowa Supreme Court’s June 28, 2024 decision to uphold the state’s six-week abortion ban
This ruling dramatically restricts access to essential healthcare for Iowans, effectively banning most abortions before many individuals even realize they are pregnant. By lifting the injunction on the 6-week abortion ban, the Iowa Supreme Court has effectively stripped all child-bearing aged women in the state of Iowa of their fundamental right to bodily autonomy and integrity[4][5].
In her dissenting opinion, Chief Justice Susan Christensen powerfully articulated the devastating consequences of this decision: “This statute forces pregnant women (and young girls) to endure and suffer through life-altering health complications that range from severe sepsis requiring limb amputations to a hysterectomy so long as those women are not at death’s door”[5].
IAPRF is deeply concerned about the impact on the doctor-patient relationship. As Chief Justice Christensen further noted, this ruling violates “the fundamental right to make medical decisions affecting their health and bodily integrity in partnership with their healthcare provider free from government interference”[5].
The six-week ban, which provides limited exceptions, will compel many Iowans to seek care out of state, creating unnecessary burdens and potential health risks. IAPRF is particularly concerned about the impact on rural and low-income communities, who may face insurmountable obstacles in accessing timely care[2][4].
This decision is part of a broader trend of restricting abortion access following the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of federal abortion rights in June 2022[2]. Iowa now joins nearly 20 other states that have imposed significant restrictions on abortion access[2][4].
IAPRF calls on state legislators to prioritize evidence-based healthcare policies that protect the well-being of all Iowans. We remain committed to advocating for our patients’ rights to comprehensive reproductive healthcare and will continue to explore all avenues to challenge this harmful legislation.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact us at: https://iowaphysiciansforreproductivefreedom.org/
About Iowa Physicians for Reproductive Freedom:
Iowa Physicians for Reproductive Freedom is a non-profit 501(c)4 organization of medical professionals dedicated to protecting and expanding access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare in Iowa.
Citations:
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/06/28/us/iowa-supreme-court-abortion-ruling.html
[2] https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/28/politics/iowa-supreme-court-abortion-ban/index.html
[3] https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2024-06-28/iowa-leaders-want-its-halted-abortion-law-to-go-into-effect-the-states-high-court-will-rule-friday
[4] https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/06/28/iowa-abortion-ban-court/
[5] https://www.iowapublicradio.org/ipr-news/2024-06-28/iowa-supreme-court-rules-6-week-abortion-ban-can-go-into-effect
