Funnel Week—the deadline for bills to clear initial committee approval—has wrapped up at the Iowa State Capitol. Several key pieces of legislation are advancing, some of which could significantly impact reproductive healthcare, public health, and education across the state.
Restricting Healthcare Access & Reproductive Rights
One of the most concerning bills to move forward is House File 423, which would criminalize doctors for prescribing medication abortion, making it a felony offense. If passed, this law could further limit access to reproductive healthcare, particularly for rural and low-income Iowans who already face significant barriers to care.
Another bill, House Study Bill 186, seeks to impose additional informed consent requirements on medication abortion, adding layers of regulation that could delay access to care.
Medically Inaccurate Education in Schools
Lawmakers have also approved the use of “Meet Baby Olivia,” an animated video filled with medically inaccurate claims about fetal development. This video is set to be included in public school health curriculums, misleading students about reproductive healthcare. Education should be based on facts, not political agendas—but this bill pushes misinformation into classrooms.
Forcing Women to Carry Non-Viable Pregnancies
Another bill advancing through the legislature would require the state to compile a list of perinatal hospice services for individuals carrying pregnancies with fatal fetal anomalies. While framed as providing resources, this measure could pressure patients into continuing non-viable pregnancies rather than allowing them to make their own medically informed decisions.
Eliminating Civil Rights Protections
Iowa has now become the first state in the country to remove civil rights protections for transgender individuals, impacting their access to healthcare, employment, and public services. This legislation not only threatens healthcare access but also sets a dangerous precedent for further rollbacks of personal freedoms.
A Positive Step: Free Period Products in Schools
One bill that did move forward with a positive impact is legislation requiring free menstrual products in at least half of school bathrooms for students in grades 6-12. This measure helps ensure equitable access to hygiene products for students who may struggle to afford them.
What’s Next?
These bills are now moving to the next stages of the legislative process, where they may be debated, amended, or voted on. As they progress, it’s crucial to stay informed about how they could shape healthcare, education, and civil rights in Iowa.
ICRF will continue to monitor these developments and provide fact-based information to ensure Iowans understand the impact of these policies.
Stay updated on the latest legislative news and its impact on reproductive healthcare in Iowa.
