In a significant development, Iowa abortion providers have chosen to drop their lawsuit against the state, ceasing the legal battle following the Iowa Supreme Court’s affirmation of the state’s strict abortion law and the ruling that there is no constitutional right to an abortion in Iowa. The law, which bans most abortions after approximately six weeks of pregnancy, was put into effect on July 29, replacing the previous allowance of abortion up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. This move aligns with a broader trend seen in over a dozen states around the U.S. in tightening abortion access following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
The legislation was enacted by the Republican-dominated Legislature in a special session last year, prompting immediate legal action from groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa, Planned Parenthood North Central States, and the Emma Goldman Clinic. Despite a temporary block by a district judge shortly after the law was enacted, Governor Kim Reynolds pursued an appeal to the state’s highest court, resulting in a 4-3 ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court in June reiterating the absence of a constitutional right to abortion and directing the lift of the injunction.
The voluntary dismissal of the lawsuit signifies an end, for now, to the prolonged legal disputes. While Planned Parenthood had been contesting the law, the organization took proactive measures to secure abortion access in neighboring states and leverage experiences where restrictions were swiftly imposed. In a statement, Ruth Richardson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States, acknowledged the decision to discontinue the case, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to delivering abortion care within the new constraints and facilitating access for those compelled to seek care across state lines.
With limited options in states with restrictions, individuals are increasingly resorting to obtaining pills via telehealth or alternative networks, as well as traveling to regions with more accessible services, resulting in heightened demand. The resolution marks a triumph for Iowa’s Republican leadership and anti-abortion advocates, who expressed satisfaction with the Iowa Supreme Court’s ruling, viewing it as a validation of the state’s values. Governor Kim Reynolds commended the decision, stating that the justices had ultimately upheld the desires of the people of Iowa.