Iowa's Six-Week Abortion Ban Takes Effect

Iowa's new six-week abortion ban, known as the 'fetal heartbeat ban,' took effect on Monday, becoming one of the strictest in the nation and likely to be a contentious issue in the upcoming November elections. This law, which bans most abortions once cardiac activity is detected and includes limited exceptions for rape, incest, fetal abnormalities, or threats to the mother's life, has been celebrated by Republican leaders and anti-abortion advocates but heavily criticized by pro-abortion rights groups. The ban has prompted an increase in out-of-state travel for abortion services, with neighboring states like Minnesota expecting an influx of patients from Iowa. Critics argue the law will severely impact women's health and reproductive rights, exacerbating existing healthcare challenges in the state. Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democratic leaders have condemned the law, linking it to broader national efforts to curtail abortion rights, and urging voters to oppose these measures in the upcoming elections.