Bill > SJR1

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Iowa State Constitution that would establish and protect reproductive freedom as a fundamental individual right. The proposed amendment would prohibit the state from denying or interfering with an individual's reproductive freedom, which is broadly defined to include prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, abortion care, miscarriage management, and infertility care. While the state could potentially restrict reproductive freedom, any such restrictions would require a compelling state interest and must be implemented using the least restrictive means possible. The resolution specifically allows state regulation of abortion after fetal viability (defined as the point when a fetus has a significant likelihood of surviving outside the uterus without extraordinary medical measures), but maintains that abortions necessary to protect the physical or mental health of the pregnant individual cannot be prohibited. If adopted, the amendment would first be referred to the next general assembly and then submitted to voters for final ratification through a public election.