Republican Iowa lawmakers pushed through a six-week abortion restriction during a special session on Tuesday, setting up a legal battle with pro-abortion groups in the state.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds called legislators back for a special session last week, and the state House and Senate passed legislation which bans most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, which is typically when a fetal heartbeat can be detected. Pro-abortion groups have vowed legal action to block the bill, which Reynolds is set to sign into law on Friday.
"Today, the Iowa legislature once again voted to protect life and end abortion at a heartbeat," Reynolds said Tuesday. "I believe the pro-life movement is the most important human rights cause of our time."
The law includes exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother. The law will take effect immediately when Reynolds signs the bill.
