Des Moines, Iowa — A bill that’s receiving some support from area pro-life groups has cleared an initial hurdle in the state senate. However, it’s unclear if the legislation will be altered, or if Republican lawmakers will advance other restrictions instead.
Amanda Acton of Waukee pleaded with senators Tuesday morning to table legislation that would prohibit abortions after a pregnancy has reached week number 20.
Acton’s pregnancy was at week 21 when her doctor told Acton and her husband the baby had a rare genetic condition and did not have lungs. Tears ran down Acton’s cheeks as she spoke.
The bill would not penalize women who seek or get an abortion after the 20th week of a pregnancy, but it would charge doctors who perform the abortions with a felony. Joan Thompson of the Iowa Catholic Conference calls current state law “ultra permissive” when it comes to late-term abortions.
Thompson urged senators to ban all abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
The state senate has already passed a bill that would “defund” Planned Parenthood. Another bill that would declare that life begins at conception is pending in a senate committee. No other state has a similar law. Supporters say if that bill becomes law in Iowa, it could trigger a court case to challenge the “Roe v Wade” decision that legalized abortion.
