Iowa law prohibits abortions after the baby’s heartbeat can be detected. Sometimes this is as early as six weeks of pregnancy.
Unfortunately, some are spreading confusion about the distinction between any needed medical interventions and elective abortion procedures. Under the law, a woman can receive the emergency health care she needs.
Elective abortions can legally take place following a rape, incest, “fetal abnormality incompatible with life,” and/or to protect the life of the mother. (Iowa Code Chapter 146e.1, 1146a.1, 146b.1) It should be noted that a child conceived through a terrible act of violence is still a human life that deserves protection.
Miscarriage (aka “spontaneous abortion”) – When a miscarriage occurs, the baby has already died and therefore any treatment is not an unlawful abortion. The procedures and treatments used for miscarriage management are not prohibited by abortion restrictions in the law. (Code Chapter 146e.1)
Ectopic Pregnancy – This condition requires removing an embryo to save a mother’s life so that both lives are not lost. This life-saving treatment is not prevented by the law in Iowa. Claiming otherwise only serves to confuse women and potentially cause critical delays in care.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – Iowa’s abortion law does not address IVF technology. Those who engage in IVF are not in any danger of civil or criminal liability due to Iowa’s abortion law. While the Catholic Church does not support the use of IVF, we believe children conceived through IVF deserve legal protection.
