Iowa Supreme Court maintains ban on 6-week abortion.

In a split decision, the Iowa Supreme Court upholds lower court ruling blocking state’s six-week abortion ban

The Iowa Supreme Court has made a split decision, with a 3-3 vote, upholding a lower court ruling that blocked the state’s controversial six-week abortion ban. This ruling comes after the recent landmark Supreme Court case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overruled the precedent set by Roe v. Wade.

Disappointment and Controversy

Republican Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds expressed her disappointment in the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision, stating, “To say that today’s lack of action by the Iowa Supreme Court is a disappointment is an understatement.” She believes that the court has disregarded the will of Iowa voters and has sided with a single judge in a single county, going against the rights of unborn children.

The heartbeat bill, which was signed by Governor Reynolds in 2018, was unable to go into effect due to the Roe ruling and was subsequently blocked by a previous court ruling.

Legal Battles and Opinions

The split decision was influenced by Justice Dana Oxley’s recusal from the case. Justice Thomas Waterman wrote the opinion in favor of Planned Parenthood, arguing that the Iowa Supreme Court has the duty to interpret only the Iowa Constitution and is not bound by the interpretation of the federal Constitution by the U.S. Supreme Court. Justice Christopher McDonald and Matthew McDermott wrote opinions in favor of the state, with McDermott emphasizing that the law should be enforced regardless of the legislature’s intentions.

Despite the court’s ruling, the Iowa General Assembly is now seeking to pass a “life amendment” that would declare no right to abortion in the state. If passed, this amendment will be put on the ballot in 2024 for voters to decide.

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The legal battle over abortion in Iowa continues, with both sides passionately arguing their positions. The future of abortion rights in the state remains uncertain, as the debate rages on.