In 2018, Republicans in the legislature passed what became known as the “Heartbeat Bill.”
The bill would prohibit an abortion if a fetal heartbeat can be detected during an abdominal ultrasound performed by a physician. Under this legislation, the physician would then be required to inform the pregnant mother of the heartbeat and explain an abortion cannot be performed. The bill allows exceptions if a medical emergency exists, in cases of rape or incest, and to protect the life of the mother. The bill was passed by both the House and the Senate and signed into law in 2018. It was blocked by the Polk County District Court because at that time, four members of the Iowa SupremeCourt had created a right to an abortion in the Iowa Constitution. Since then, a lot has changed and major strides have been taken in the pro-life movement. Last summer, the United States Supreme Court sent the power to decide abortion policy back to the states, and the Iowa Supreme Court overturned its erroneous previous decision creating a right to an abortion in the Iowa Constitution.
With these challenges overcome, Governor Kim Reynolds asked the Iowa Supreme Court to lift the injunction and reconsider whether the 2018 Heartbeat Bill was constitutional and could be enacted.
However, with one justice abstaining, the Iowa Supreme Court was tied on whether they would lift the injunction on a lower court’s decision. All these events brought this issue to where it is today.
Because this issue is so important and this legislation can save so many lives, Governor Reynolds called all legislators back to find the next pathway forward for the pro-life movement and those trying to protect life. I was proud to be back at the Capitol to cast my vote in support of the Heartbeat Bill, once again recognizing life starts when a heartbeat can be heard and cannot be terminated.
This year’s 2023 Community Colleges for Iowa Trustee Conference was held at Kirkwood Community College (Kirkwood Hotel/Conference Room). I was honored to be a member of their legislative panel. Myself, and my fellow distinguished colleagues answered questions and provided insight on our perspective from the Capitol. Iowa’s Community Colleges do more than simply educate students: they also enrich and serve our students’ local communities. They provide skilled workforce training, encourage economic development, and keep our most valuable resource here in Iowa- our youth/future.
I was so happy to be present for the announcement of the partnership with Four Oaks and Bloomsbury Farms on their corn maze design. This year marks their (Four Oaks) 50th anniversary.
There is so much to see and do at Bloomsbury Farms. If you have never been there, you should check it out this year.
Feel free to contact me with any comments, questions, or concerns regarding how I can best serve you. I look forward to another great month of representing the people of District 42.