In Iowa

If my state won’t ban all abortions, what are the limits to abortion?

Iowa protects unborn babies after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Iowa Code § 146B.2.

Iowa bans partial-birth abortions. Iowa Code Ann. § 707.8A.

Iowa also has a post-viability restriction: no abortion may be performed after the end of the second trimester. Iowa Code Ann. § 707.7.

Are there any exceptions to those limitations placed on abortion?

Exception to the 20-week protection: if there is a “medical emergency” as defined the statute. Iowa Code § 146B.2.

Exception to partial-birth ban: If the abortion is necessary to preserve the life of a woman endangered by a physical disorder, physical illness, or physical injury. Iowa Code Ann. § 707.8A.

Exception to post-viability restriction: If the abortion is necessary to preserve the mother’s life or health and every reasonable medical effort not inconsistent with preserving the life of the pregnant person is made to preserve the life of a viable fetus. Iowa Code Ann. § 707.7.

What are the penalties to abortion providers for committing an illegal abortion (one of the forms of abortion that my state has limited under the law)?

A violation of the 20-week protection may result in money damages awarded to the mother in a civil proceeding, as well as injunctive relief against the offending physician. Violators may also face licensing discipline. Iowa Code § 146B.3.

A violation of partial-birth abortion ban is a class “C” felony. Iowa Code Ann. § 707.8A.

A violator of the post-viability restriction is guilty of feticide, which is also a class “C” felony. Iowa Code Ann. § 707.7.

When abortion laws are violated, who can file a lawsuit to enforce their rights and the law?

A mother, or her parents if she has not reached 18 years of age, may sue a doctor for actual damages if the doctor violates the 20-week protection. Iowa Code § 146B.3.

The partial-birth ban gives the mother, the father, or–if the mother is less than eighteen years of age or unmarried at the time of the partial-birth abortion–a maternal grandparent of the baby (one of the mother’s parents) the ability to bring an action to recover statutory and compensatory damages. Iowa Code Ann. § 707.8A.

Does my state impose a special medical standard of care on abortion providers?

Yes: The physician must make every reasonable medical effort, not inconsistent with preserving the woman’s life, to preserve the life of a viable fetus. Iowa Code Ann. § 707.7.

Does my state give parents the right to consent for their child to get an abortion?

Yes. Notice to one parent is required; however, this state has a method where a minor can obtain permission from the courts to receive an abortion without parental notice or consent. This requirement may be waived if 1) the mother declares she is a victim of sexual abuse, or 2) the physician certifies in writing that it is a medical emergency. Iowa Code Ann. § 135L.3.

Does my state have conscience protections for medical professionals who do not want to participate in abortions?

Yes: Individuals who object on the basis of religious beliefs or moral convictions may refuse to participate in abortions that do not constitute emergency medical treatment of a serious physical condition necessary to preserve the woman’s life. Iowa Code Ann. § 146.1.

Hospitals not controlled, maintained, and supported by a public authority may refuse to perform an abortion not necessary to preserve the woman’s life. The refusal of a non-public hospital to permit abortion may not be a basis for civil liability or other recriminatory action. Iowa Code Ann. § 146.2.

Are there legal protections for babies born alive following a botched abortion in my state?

No.

Does an abortion have to be provided by a licensed physician in my state?

Yes: Only physicians licensed to practice medicine and surgery in Iowa or a licensed osteopathic physician and surgeon may conduct abortions. Iowa Code Ann. § 146.2.

Does my state’s law require that a woman give informed consent and/or receive counseling prior to allowing an abortion to be performed?

Yes. A mother may not have an abortion, except in a medical emergency, until the physician conducting the abortion obtains written certification that the woman: (1) has undergone an ultrasound and was given the opportunity to view the ultrasound, hear a description of the ultrasound, or hear the heartbeat; (2) has been informed that her options relative to pregnancy include continuing the pregnancy and retaining parental rights, continuing the pregnancy and placing the child for adoption, or ending the pregnancy; (3) has been told the medical risks associated with abortion. Iowa Code § 146A.1 (2017).

Does my state place any waiting requirement on abortion so that a mother has more time to decide?

Yes: Iowa has a 24-hour waiting period requirement. Iowa Code § 146A.1.