Iowa lawmakers are currently reviewing legislation that could significantly impact access to medication abortion in the state. House Study Bill 186 (HSB 186) and House File 423 are both under discussion, with potential consequences for patients and healthcare providers.
What is HSB 186?
HSB 186 proposes new regulations on medication abortion, including:
- Stricter informed consent requirements
- Changes to how abortion-inducing drugs are dispensed
- Additional regulations for healthcare providers offering medication abortion
A subcommittee hearing on HSB 186 was scheduled for today at 12:00 PM at the Iowa State Capitol. If passed, this bill could limit how and when patients can access medication abortion, making it more difficult for individuals to receive timely care.
House File 423: Criminalizing Medication Abortion
In addition to HSB 186, House File 423 seeks to impose felony charges on healthcare providers who prescribe abortion medication, such as mifepristone. If enacted, this bill would make it illegal for doctors to provide medication abortion, with potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison.
This proposed legislation is part of a growing effort to restrict reproductive healthcare in Iowa following recent legal and policy changes at the state and federal levels.
What’s Next?
These bills are currently moving through the legislative process and may undergo revisions before any final decisions are made.
📢 Stay tuned for updates on this issue as it develops. ICRF is committed to providing factual, timely information on reproductive healthcare policy in Iowa.
