Fate of Iowa abortion ban still unclear

The future of a bill that would ban late-term abortions in Iowa remains unclear in the Legislature.

The Republican-controlled House is expected to approve the ban, but support in the Senate, where Democrats are in the majority, is uncertain. Questions also remain about whether the measure is subject to an April 1 deadline

The bill would ban most abortions in the state after the 20th week of pregnancy. Iowa abortion opponents say there's a sense of urgency to pass the restrictions. After lawmakers in Nebraska enacted similar restrictions, a greater Omaha doctor announced plans to offer late-term abortions at a Council Bluffs clinic.

The bill is expected to come out of the House Government Oversight Committee this week, and then be debated by the full House the following week.