Abortion bans like Iowa’s have put OB-GYNs under increasing strain and surveillance, complicating the standard medical treatments for miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and other pregnancy problems. As many rural areas face worsening maternity care deserts, some physicians fear these laws could drive much-needed doctors out of state and dissuade others from moving in.
After altering Iowa’s reproductive health care landscape in recent years through enacting a law restricting abortion access, state lawmakers will now see a new push to focus on the next target of anti-abortion advocates: the abortion pill.
The 2026 Iowa midterm elections are less than a year out, and policy issues that campaigns and voters are talking about include health care costs and affordability. But one issue both parties have used to energize voters in the past has yet to gain prominence: abortion.
One year after an Iowa law banning most abortions in the state went into effect, Republicans are celebrating the legislation’s impact, while Democrats warn the restrictions will continue to limit reproductive health care across the state.
A state law that bans most abortions after roughly 6 weeks of pregnancy appears to be driving down the number of abortions in Iowa but also driving up the number of Iowans having abortions in neighboring states with less restrictive policies
The 2026 elections were top of mind during the annual Family Leadership Summit Friday as speakers and conservative lawmakers stressed the importance of electing pro-life candidates to office and commending President Donald Trump for his actions during the first few months of his second term.
The executive director of anti-abortion advocacy group Pulse Life Advocates said anti-abortion activists still have more work left to do.
Also in the Capitol Notebook, the Iowa Senate confirmed 3 members to the Iowa Board of Regents
Also in the Capitol Notebook: Iowa House amends, sends prenatal education requirement back to the Iowa Senate
Also, under a proposed bill, the death penalty could be used for killing a law enforcement officer
Health care providers in Iowa would be required to tell patients that it may be possible to reverse the effects of a medication abortion, something reproductive rights advocates and medical groups say is not supported by science.
Also, statehouse Republicans have proposed legislation banning abortion medication
Also, legislators considered a bill that would enhance penalties for individuals who wear a hood in an effort to conceal their identity while committing a crime.
Also, the Iowa Senate is advancing new legislation that would require the teaching of fetal development in health and human growth classes
From a casino moratorium to immigration policy to a hands-free driving law, here’s a look at the hot-button issues likely to resurface during this year’s Iowa legislative session, which begins Monday.
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