Proposed nationwide bans, closing women’s healthcare clinics, banning contraceptives, and more

Des Moines - The Faith and Freedom Coalition hosted a forum last Thursday for Republican gubernatorial candidates. Many candidates attended, and they made very clear their extreme stances on abortion in our state and beyond:

• Rep. Eddie Andrews and former Rep. Brad Sherman said the state government should do even more to control women’s reproductive decisions, as he believes the current six-week abortion ban is not extreme enough.

• Rep. Andrews claimed that Iowa should ban abortion pills as the next step in restricting abortion rights. This would criminalize any doctors or pharmacists who prescribe abortion medication, and any women, including rape victims, who use them.

• Former Rep. Sherman advocated for a national ban, one that would stop Iowa women from seeking care in other states.

• Sen. Mike Bousselot said he was proud to vote for Iowa’s current extreme abortion ban, and would take steps as governor to defund Planned Parenthood. He would close down the remainder of our clinics, and force the Iowans who rely on them to find a new place to get affordable care, or simply go without.

“Iowa’s extreme abortion ban was only the beginning,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart. “Iowa Republicans seek to restrict women’s rights even more by criminalizing abortion medication even for rape victims and closing down more clinics that provide affordable healthcare for women. It’s imperative that a Democrat sits in the governor’s office in 2027. It’s the only way to stop Republicans’ ability to take away women’s rights in Iowa.”