Iowa Governor Enacts Controversial Abortion Ban

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, a Republican, has signed a strict abortion ban into law, which prohibits most abortions after cardiac activity is detected, typically around six weeks of pregnancy. The law was immediately challenged in court by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Planned Parenthood, who sought to temporarily block it. This move adds Iowa to a list of Republican-led states that have recently moved to ban or restrict abortion since the Supreme Court's decision to leave the matter to the states. The ban also limits abortion access for women in neighboring states with similar bans. The law takes effect immediately, but its enforcement may be suspended pending the outcome of the legal case.