Bill > SJR2003

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Iowa Constitution to establish a fundamental individual right to reproductive freedom, meaning the state cannot deny or interfere with an individual's private decisions regarding reproductive health. This right cannot be restricted unless there's a compelling state interest that can only be achieved through the least restrictive means possible. Reproductive freedom is broadly defined to include services like prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, abortion care, miscarriage management, and infertility treatment. However, the amendment allows the state to regulate abortion care after fetal viability, which is defined as the point when a fetus has a significant likelihood of sustained survival outside the uterus without extraordinary medical measures, but it prohibits banning abortions necessary to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant individual, as determined by a healthcare professional. If passed, this proposed amendment would be published and then sent to the next General Assembly for further consideration before being put to a vote by the public.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SJR2003