Bill would ban all abortions in Iowa

IowaA House panel has approved a measure that would ban all abortions in Iowa.

Backers say the measure approved Monday defines life as beginning at the moment of conception and would protect it from that point. Opponents say the plan would prohibit many forms of contraception and could have many other unintended consequences.

A subcommittee of the House Human Resources Committee approved the plan on a 2-1 vote, sending it to the full committee for more debate.

The measure was written by Pleasant Hill Rep. Kim Pearson. The Republican says it's important for the Legislature to go on record as favoring protecting life.

Officials of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland say the measure's real goal is to provide a vehicle for challenging a U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion.