Is Abortion Legal in Iowa?
Yes, abortion is currently legal in Iowa.
However, there are several restrictions, including a prohibition on abortions after 21 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. The start of pregnancy is measured from the first day of your last period.
While abortion remains legal in Iowa, new restrictions could come into effect due to recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings. Stay up-to-date with any changes to these laws as we continue monitoring the situation.
Accessing Abortion Services in Iowa
If you’re 21 weeks, 6 days pregnant or less, it’s legal for you to have an abortion in Iowa. Notwithstanding the state’s ban on abortions after 21 weeks, 6 days, keep in mind that many providers may stop offering abortion services earlier in pregnancy.
Iowa Abortion Laws: A Closer Look
Here are some key restrictions to be aware of when considering an abortion in Iowa:
24-hour waiting period
Iowa requires a pregnant person to receive in-person counseling from their abortion provider and then wait 24 hours before getting an abortion. This waiting period can be waived if your health is at risk because of the pregnancy.
Parental Notification Requirement
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be notified before you get an abortion. If notifying a parent or legal guardian isn’t feasible, you can seek a judicial bypass, which allows you to forego parental involvement. For assistance navigating the judicial bypass process, you can reach out to the If/When/How Judicial Bypass (JB) Helpline at 844-868-2812 or submit a request online.
Banned after 21 weeks, 6 days
Iowa bans abortion after 21 weeks, 6 days of pregnancy. However, there are some exceptions:
- To save the life of the pregnant person
- To preserve the physical health of the pregnant person
In-Person Abortion Providers in Iowa
| City | Provider | Services until | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ames | Planned Parenthood – Ames Health Center | 11 weeks, 0 days | 2530 Chamberlain Street, Ames, IA | (877) 849-0763 |
| Council Bluffs | Planned Parenthood – Council Bluffs Health Center | 11 weeks, 0 days | 1604 2nd Avenue, Council Bluffs, IA | (877) 849-0771 |
| Des Moines | Planned Parenthood – Rosenfield Health Center | 19 weeks, 6 days | 1000 East Army Post Road, Des Moines, IA | (877) 849-0782 |
| Iowa City | Emma Goldman Clinic for Women | 19 weeks, 6 days | 227 North Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA | (319) 337-2111 |
| Iowa City | Planned Parenthood – Iowa City Health Center | 19 weeks, 6 days | 850 Orchard Street, Iowa City, IA | (877) 859-0551 |
| Sioux City | Planned Parenthood – Sioux City Center | 11 weeks, 0 days | 4409 Stone Avenue, Sioux City, IA | (877) 859-0586 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is abortion legal in Iowa?
Yes, abortion is legal in Iowa. However, the state bans abortions after 21 weeks, 6 days of pregnancy, and imposes certain other restrictions.
Do I need my parent’s permission for an abortion if I’m under 18?
Yes, in Iowa, one parent or guardian must be notified if you’re under 18 and seeking an abortion. However, if notifying a parent or guardian isn’t possible, you can seek a judicial bypass.
Is there a waiting period for an abortion in Iowa?
Yes, Iowa requires a 24-hour waiting period following in-person counseling with an abortion provider. This waiting period can be waived if the pregnancy poses a risk to your health.
Where can I get an abortion in Iowa?
Several healthcare providers offer abortion services in Iowa. Please refer to the table above for a list of providers, their service timelines, addresses, and contact information.