Iowa House Votes to Ban Abortion After 20 Weeks

Lisa Bourne : Apr 7, 2017
LifeSiteNews

"We are hopeful to see a day when legislation can be brought forward that will be a direct challenge to the Supreme Court ruling Roe vs. Wade. Until that day, we continue to work, to save all lives from conception to natural death." — Maggie DeWitte

(Des Moines, IA) — [LifeSiteNews] A 20-week abortion ban passed the Iowa House on Wednesday night along party lines that includes a 72-hour waiting period and exceptions for the life of the child's mother. (Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com via LifeSiteNews)

If the governor signs the bill, Iowa would join more than a dozen other states in restricting abortion at 20 weeks of pregnancy.

The proposed law initially received bipartisan support in the Senate, where the House version of the bill will now return for approval, a report from Iowa Right to Life Committee (IRLC) said.

Barring unforeseen issues, pro-life supporters expect the bill to move forward and be signed by Gov. Terry Branstad, Iowans for L.I.F.E. (IFL) Executive Director Maggie DeWitte told LifeSiteNews. She said it is unknown which elements of the law beyond the 20-week ban will make it to the Republican governor's desk in the final bill.

Local pro-life leaders applauded the removal of the previous fetal anomaly exception language from the House bill. But they said more work is ahead to ensure comprehensive legal protection for unborn life in the state.

"We are extremely happy to see this bill continue through the legislative process again this year, particularly now that the fetal anomaly/incompatible with life language was removed," IRLC spokeswoman Jenifer Bowen told LifeSiteNews. "Happy, because we know that this bill will save the lives of 50 or more babies every single year."

"Over the past two days, debate raged on this bill in the House," Bowen stated. "Republicans stood strong against immense pressure and frankly, countless personal attacks and insults."

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