Des Moines, Iowa — The Iowa Supreme Court is being asked to overturn its 2018 ruling that said the Iowa Constitution guarantees women a right to an abortion.
During oral arguments Wednesday, Lawyer Chris Schandovel represented the state lawmakers who signed onto the case. He says the Supreme Court overstepped its authority in declaring the right.
Schandovel says the 2018 ruling ignored precedent on abortion issues.
Justice Brent Appel asked if the Constitution that was written by men and the laws were created by men left out the voice of women — and if they should still apply in 2022.
He says that belief continued right up until the U.S. Supreme Court abortion ruling. The case came after a law that requires a 24-hour waiting period for abortions was passed after the court held a 72-hour waiting period was not legal. Rita Bettis-Austen represents Planned Parenthood and says the procedure used to pass the 24-hour law is the issue.
She says the state didn’t show the process was properly followed to show the new law brought something new to the table.
Bettis-Austen says the state wants to improperly use this case to overturn the 2018 ruling.
The Supreme Court will issue a ruling in the case later. The high court has changed dramatically since the 2018 ruling, as the chief justice at the time died and Governor Kim Reynolds has appointed four of the seven justices now on the court, including the new chief justice.
