Legislation
Advocacy at the State LevelIntroduction to Advocacy with Iowa Right Life
Mirriam-Webster describes an advocate as the following: one who defends or maintains a cause or proposal; one who supports or promotes the interests of a cause or group; or one who pleads the cause of another.
If you are on this page, we believe you want to be a voice for the voiceless and advocate for the most innocent among us. We hope the overview and chronicle of Iowa laws give insight into just how far we have come.
Iowa Abortion Law
- Abortions are illegal once a fetal heartbeat is detected
- A 24-hour waiting period is required after the ultrasound before an abortion can be performed
- Parental notification must occur before a minor can obtain an abortion
Iowa abortion law provides exceptions for:
- Rape
- Incest
- Fetal abnormality incompatible with life
- Protect the life of the mother
The Abortion Pill
- Webcam abortion is legal in Iowa.
- Requires a call with clinic staff and an ultrasound performed, then the pill can be requested through the United States Postal Service
Abortion pill regulation is a priority of IRTL. We work in collaboration with the Iowa Coalition of Pro-Life Leaders to address legislation to protect the life of the unborn and their mothers, including legislation that regulates abortion pill distribution.
For immediate help in attempting to reverse the abortion pill, call (877) 558-0333.
Existing Pro-Life Laws
Over the years, Iowa Right to Life has actively lobbied in favor of critical pro-life legislation. We believe that the progress made is the result of dedicated organizations and individuals coming together as one unified voice for babies and families. Here is a listing of House and Senate legislation within the last four to five years that subsequently became law. This establishes Iowa’s commitment to safeguard the lives of mothers and babies and create life-affirming options other than abortion.
Senate File 175
Prenatal and Fetal Development Instruction
This law requires the instruction of fetal development in Iowa classrooms, grades five through twelve. It is intended to teach and show the humanity of the unborn child developing in the mother’s womb. Key Points:
House File 2372
Nonconsensual Termination of a Human Pregnancy
This law makes it illegal for anyone to intentionally end a pregnancy without the pregnant person’s permission. It’s meant to protect people from having a pregnancy ended against their will. Key Points:
Senate File 577
Certificate of Nonviable Birth
This law allows parents who experience a miscarriage or stillbirth to receive a certificate, which is a document recognizing their loss. The certificate helps parents acknowledge their babies and provides a way to remember them. Key Points:
Stay in the know.
Get the updates you need to stay on top of the ever changing political landscape.
Iowa Right to Life Voter Resources
Judges Retention Guide
As a pro-life Iowan, it is important to know where candidates stand on the issue of life. IRTL collects information from candidate questionnaires returned to us, and makes the responses available to you as a voter.
Judges Retention Guide and Candidate Position on Issues Relating to Life.
Lobbyist Declarations
IRTL remains vigilant in monitoring legislation that advances pro-life laws in our state. We actively lobby our legislators, encouraging them to write, sponsor, and pass measures that protect and uphold the safety and security of Iowa’s most vulnerable.
You can go to the link below for a list of our declarations. Enter “Iowa Right to Life Committee” as the client. We list our support or opposition based on bill language, the bill’s sponsors, and whether it aligns with or goes against the mission and vision of our organization.