The Supreme Court of the state of Iowa (USA) has decided to ban abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. This decision marks a significant change in the state’s abortion law, aligning with more severe restrictions implemented in other states.
Historically, the United States has been a leader in the legalization of abortion since the emblematic case “Roe v. Wade” in 1973, which eliminated any restrictions during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, on June 24, 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion in the case “Dobbs v. Jackson,” with a vote of 6-3. This decision returned the power to legislate on abortion to the states, which has resulted in restrictions in more than 65% of the United States.
Historically, the United States has been a benchmark in the legalization of abortion since the landmark case “Roe v. Wade” in 1973, which eliminated any restrictions during the first trimester of pregnancy. However, on June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion in the case “Dobbs v. Jackson” by a 6-3 vote. This decision returned to the states the power to legislate on abortion, which has resulted in restrictions in more than 65% of the U.S. territory.
Prior to this recent decision, Iowa allowed abortion up to 21 weeks and 6 days of gestation. With the new measure, this limit is reduced to six weeks, albeit temporarily, while waiting for the lower court to follow the instructions of the high court. It is unclear when the lower court will take final action on the matter.
Currently, 14 states in the US have near-total bans on abortion at all stages of pregnancy, and three states impose restrictions after six weeks.
The measure in Iowa represents a victory for Republican lawmakers who advocate for stricter restrictions on abortion.
