On Monday, District Judge Joseph Seidlin issued a temporary injunction against the implementation of Iowa’s 2023 Heartbeat Law.
The legislation, endorsed by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds on Friday, faced arguments in court while the judge deliberated. This injunction halts the enforcement of the law pending further legal challenges.
“We are deeply disappointed that the immediate impact of Iowa’s Heartbeat Law in saving lives has been delayed,” expressed Carol Tobias, president of National Right to Life. “The judge’s ruling disregards the desires of Iowa citizens who seek to safeguard unborn children through state legislation.”
Tobias added, “We commend Governor Kim Reynolds and pro-life lawmakers for their unwavering dedication to protecting the most vulnerable members of society. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to our Iowa affiliate, Iowa Right to Life, and the collaborative efforts of the pro-life coalition that diligently advocated for the passage of this law.”
In a statement released following the injunction, Governor Kim Reynolds asserted the following:
The abortion industry’s ongoing efforts to circumvent the will of Iowans and the voices of their elected representatives persist. However, I will continue to oppose this until the Iowa Supreme Court renders a decision that will finally provide justice for the unborn.
The Iowa General Assembly approved the bill during a special legislative session, with a vote of 56 to 34 in the Iowa House and 32 to 17 in the Iowa Senate. Prior to the bill being signed into law by the governor, Planned Parenthood of the Heartland sought an injunction.
On July 5, Governor Kim Reynolds, a proponent of pro-life legislation, requested a special legislative session in response to the Iowa Supreme Court’s 3-3 decision on June 16 regarding a lower court injunction against Iowa’s 2018 Fetal Heartbeat Law. This law, enacted in 2018, aimed to protect unborn babies from abortion once a heartbeat is detected. The Iowa Supreme Court’s 3-3 split decision allowed the lower court injunction against the 2018 law to remain in place.
The enactment of Iowa’s 2023 Heartbeat Law has resulted in the state being subject to the guidelines set forth in the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
Daniel Miller is responsible for nearly all of National Right to Life News' political writing.
With the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, Daniel Miller developed a deep obsession with U.S. politics that has never let go of the political scientist. Whether it's the election of Joe Biden, the midterm elections in Congress, the abortion rights debate in the Supreme Court or the mudslinging in the primaries - Daniel Miller is happy to stay up late for you.
Daniel was born and raised in New York. After living in China, working for a news agency and another stint at a major news network, he now lives in Arizona with his two daughters.
