Iowa House party leaders say abortion could take a backseat in 2025 to bills supporting 'alternatives'
A hot topic last legislative session may be less of a priority in 2025 as lawmakers discuss their plans before heading back to the statehouse Monday, Jan. 13.
When asked if he is interested in pursuing legislation to further restrict abortion, Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley told 糖心vlog he hopes to focus on bills that support options other than abortion.
"Things like looking at adoption tax credits, making sure the foster care system is very strong, I think you're going to see us focusing on a little bit more of that side," Grassley said. "If we're going to take a strong position like we have with the heartbeat (law), I think we have to look at some of the other aspects of making sure that there's alternatives out there."
However, anti-abortion activist Maggie Dewitte said more restrictions are a priority and would like to see the legislature pursue them alongside other efforts.
"I think we can do both," Dewitte said. "We care about women before their pregnancy, during their pregnancy and after their pregnancy."
Dewitte said her organization, Pulse Life Advocates, plans to introduce a bill this session to restrict abortions after conception. Current law restricts abortion after six weeks in Iowa.
House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst says she will continue to be outspoken against all legislation to restrict abortion this session, but says she's also interested in bills that could help address the effects of this law.
"We believe that it's important to take care of these kids once they're born, so let's make sure that we're looking out for their health care, let's not kick them off of health care, let's not make it harder for their parents to get health care, let's make sure that they're getting the food they need," Konfrst said. "We would support any effort that would make it easier for kids to be fed, clothed, or housed."
Konfrst and Grassley both named the economy one of their greatest priorities during this session. Konfrst and Senate Democratic leader Janice Weiner seemed to both prioritize legislation they believed could achieve bipartisan support while discussing their plans at a news conference. The Democrats hold 33 seats in the House to the Republicans' 67. Bills require majority support to pass the chamber.
"Planned Parenthood also lists Improved Maternal Health Outcomes" as a priority for this session on their . The bullet list of priorities includes "expand Medicaid postpartum coverage for 12 months to those who currently lose care at 60 days" and "enact paid family leave for both birthing and non-birthing parents, including pregnancy loss."
Dewitte says Pulse Life Advocates also plans to introduce two other bills during this session.
Dewitte says one of the plans they've developed would restrict prescription abortions by requiring anyone seeking the drug mifepristone to obtain a prescription. To obtain the prescription, the person would also be required to undergo a medical exam. It would also require it be reported if the patient experiences any adverse effects as a result of using the drug. Dewitte says requirements would not extend to Levonorgestrel EC pills, commonly known as the "morning-after pill."
She also says Pulse Life Advocates has plans to introduce an education bill. Dewitte says it would require schools to include certain aspects of prenatal development in their public education requirements.
"We need to teach our young people that life has value and dignity, and that's how we create a culture of life," Dewitte said. "What better way to do that than showing information, videos, all of those types of educational things to our young people so that they understand how they themselves were created, how all of us were created in our mother's womb."
The 2025 legislative session is scheduled to last about 110 days.