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 2578

Human Service Budget Bill

Designates how Iowa spends money to help people who need it most. It pays to support pregnant and new mothers.

Key Points:

  • The state’s response was to build a culture of life in Iowa.
  • Attributed state dollars to help moms who were facing a crisis pregnancy and alleviate their concerns about paying for items the baby will need.  
  • Provides financial support to organizations whose sole purpose is to help women in crisis feel cared for and supported.

Read the Bill

House File 2578

Human Service Budget Bill

Designates how Iowa spends money to help people who need it most. It pays to support pregnant and new mothers.

Key Points:

  • The state’s response was to build a culture of life in Iowa.
  • Attributed state dollars to help moms who were facing a crisis pregnancy and alleviate their concerns about paying for items the baby will need.  
  • Provides financial support to organizations whose sole purpose is to help women in crisis feel cared for and supported.

Read the Bill

Senate File 2252

MOMS (Moe Options for Maternal Support) Program

This law helps to give moms reasons to choose life and provide extra support during pregnancy and after their babies are born. It connects moms with programs and services that can provide baby essentials like cribs, diapers, and car seats.   

Key Points:

  • Pregnant and new moms receive support from caring individuals and organizations who come alongside them and champion their choice to have their baby.  
  • Assists with financial needs like baby supplies and access or referrals to parenting classes and other family support services.  
  • Helps moms during crises alleviate stress and access needs in one place and through an organized system.

Read the Bill

Senate File 2252

MOMS (Moe Options for Maternal Support) Program

This law helps to give moms reasons to choose life and provide extra support during pregnancy and after their babies are born. It connects moms with programs and services that can provide baby essentials like cribs, diapers, and car seats.   

Key Points:

  • Pregnant and new moms receive support from caring individuals and organizations who come alongside them and champion their choice to have their baby.  
  • Assists with financial needs like baby supplies and access or referrals to parenting classes and other family support services.  
  • Helps moms during crises alleviate stress and access needs in one place and through an organized system.

Read the Bill

Senate File 2251

Expands Medicaid Coverage for One Year Post-Partum

This law contributes to the culture of life in Iowa. The goal is to help moms stay healthy and care for their babies without worrying about losing health care.

Key Points:

  • Low-income mothers who give birth in Iowa can access a full year of Medicaid coverage.  
  • It provides a building block to ensure strong families.     
  • Helps moms stay mentally healthy so they can take better care of their babies.

Read the Bill

Senate File 2251

Expands Medicaid Coverage for One Year Post-Partum

This law contributes to the culture of life in Iowa. The goal is to help moms stay healthy and care for their babies without worrying about losing health care.

Key Points:

  • Low-income mothers who give birth in Iowa can access a full year of Medicaid coverage.  
  • It provides a building block to ensure strong families.     
  • Helps moms stay mentally healthy so they can take better care of their babies.

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.

LEARN MORE

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.

LEARN MORE