Iowa Six-Week Abortion Ban to Take Effect Monday

An Iowa judge has ruled that the state's six-week abortion ban will take effect on Monday, following the Iowa Supreme Court's decision to lift a previous injunction. The law prohibits most abortions once cardiac activity is detected, around six weeks into pregnancy, with exceptions for rape, incest, and the mother's life. The decision comes after a prolonged legal battle, with Planned Parenthood and other organizations challenging the law. Despite the court's ruling, Planned Parenthood has vowed to continue providing abortions up to 20 weeks until further legal action. This development places Iowa among a growing number of states with stringent abortion restrictions post-Roe v. Wade reversal. The issue is expected to be a significant focal point in the 2024 elections, with Vice President Kamala Harris emphasizing its importance for reproductive rights.