Gov. Reynolds Releases Statement on First Anniversary of Fetal Heartbeat Law

Governor Kim Reynolds released the following statement marking one year since Iowa’s Fetal Heartbeat Law, first enacted in 2018, finally went into effect: 

“One year after the Fetal Heartbeat Law went into effect, abortions in Iowa are down nearly 60%. This is a powerful victory for life, and it’s all because Iowans and their representatives stood strong for the rights of the unborn, passing the bill not just once, but twice-and by an increasingly wide margin.  

“Today, Iowa's commitment to mothers and their babies, before and after birth, is stronger than ever. We launched the MOMS program to support crisis pregnancy centers, extended postpartum care for mothers on Medicaid, funded maternal health centers of excellence in rural communities, improved Medicaid rates for complex pregnancies, and granted paid parental leave for state employees.  

“This is what it means to be comprehensively pro-life - surrounding everyone involved in a pregnancy with love and support, promoting strong families, and intentionally building a culture of life.”