‘Heartbeat’ bill’s rules don’t fix limits imposed by bill itself

We recognize the Iowa Board of Medicine for addressing concerns regarding improper medical terminology and references in adopting rules for the so-called “fetal heartbeat” bill passed by the legislature in 2023.In attempting to adapt the language of the law to standard medical care, the Board of Medicine has taken an important stand to protect the physician-patient relationship.

However, this does not change the fact that the restrictions the bill outlines infringe on the rights of pregnant women to control their reproductive health and the ability of physicians to provide standard of care medicine. Exceptions for abortion care are difficult to access, delay care and result in maternal death and disability.

Iowa has long been noteworthy for being last in the nation in Ob-Gyns per capita; in 2023 we again made headlines for a 30% increase in infant mortality, the largest rise of any state in the nation. These statistics are projected to worsen if this law and others like it take effect.

Physicians in Iowa seek to provide empathetic and personalized care for their patients, promote positive health outcomes and offer standard treatments we have been trained to provide. Physicians do not seek to withhold care while waiting for our patients to fully miscarry or for their health to decline enough to qualify for treatment. The population of Iowa deserves better than arbitrary rules that do not promote the health and well-being of pregnant patients.

Emily Boevers, MD

Andrea Greiner, MD

Francesca Turner, DO

Jami Maxson, MD

Founding physicians of Iowans for Health Liberty