As reported by the Washington Post, the Iowa legislature yesterday gave final passage to SF 359 (full text), one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country. The bill has been sent to Gov. Kim Reynolds for her signature. The bill prohibits a physician from performing an abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detectable. Exempted from the prohibition are cases of rape or incest if they were reported to authorities withing specified time periods. The bill also exempts abortions performed to preserve the life of the pregnant woman whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, illness, or injury, but not if endangered by life-threatening psychological, emotional or familial conditions, or the woman’s age, or "when continuation of the pregnancy will create a serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman." The bill also prohibits receiving or transferring fetal body parts. Gov. Reynolds has not said whether she will sign the bill into law.
UPDATE: As reported by AP, he bill was signed by the governor on May 4.
