Legislation

Advocacy at the State Level

Introduction 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.

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:

  • Makes it a crime for anyone to end a pregnancy without the pregnant person’s consent.
  • Designed to protect people from forced terminations related to human pregnancy.
  • Protects a woman from the deliberate actions to willfully harm her or her baby just because she is pregnant.

Read the Bill

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:

  • Makes it a crime for anyone to end a pregnancy without the pregnant person’s consent.
  • Designed to protect people from forced terminations related to human pregnancy.
  • Protects a woman from the deliberate actions to willfully harm her or her baby just because she is pregnant.

Read the Bill

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:

  • Parents who have a miscarriage or stillbirth can now receive a certificate to honor their baby.
  • Provides a way for parents to remember their baby and acknowledge their grief.
  • It helps parents feel their loss is recognized and important.

Read the Bill

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:

  • Parents who have a miscarriage or stillbirth can now receive a certificate to honor their baby.
  • Provides a way for parents to remember their baby and acknowledge their grief.
  • It helps parents feel their loss is recognized and important.

Read the Bill

House File 2420

Expands Safe Haven from 30 Days to 90 Days

This law gives parents more time to safely leave their babies at certain safe places if they can’t take care of them. Instead of 30 days, parents now have up to 90 days after the baby is born to use the Safe Haven option.

Key Points:

  • Safe places include hospitals, fire stations, or other approved locations.
  • The law provides more time for parents in tough situations to make a safe choice for their baby.
  • It’s all about keeping babies safe and giving parents a worry-free option.

Read the Bill

House File 2420

Expands Safe Haven from 30 Days to 90 Days

This law gives parents more time to safely leave their babies at certain safe places if they can’t take care of them. Instead of 30 days, parents now have up to 90 days after the baby is born to use the Safe Haven option.

Key Points:

  • Safe places include hospitals, fire stations, or other approved locations.
  • The law provides more time for parents in tough situations to make a safe choice for their baby.
  • It’s all about keeping babies safe and giving parents a worry-free option.

Read the Bill

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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.