Iowa Republicans Enact Strict Abortion Ban, Sparking Controversy

Iowa Republicans have passed a bill banning most abortions after around six weeks of pregnancy, a time before most people know they are pregnant. The legislation, which will take immediate effect after the governor signs it on Friday, prohibits abortions after the first sign of cardiac activity, usually around six weeks, with exceptions for cases of rape or incest. The bill is the latest in a series of anti-abortion laws passed in states across the US since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade last year. Legal challenges are expected to be filed to block the measure.