Law Change: ‘Fetal Heartbeat’ Law Takes Effect July 29

Pursuant to the June 28, 2024 ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court to allow the ‘Fetal Heartbeat’ law (HF 732) to apply, a lower court judge ruled the law will take effect Monday, July 29, 2024. IMS issued this statement in response to the Iowa Supreme Court Decision.

Please refer to the links below for relevant prohibitions and requirements under Iowa law and rules that become effective on July 29.

• Law: 2023 Iowa Acts, House File 732
• Rules: 653—13.17(135L,146A,146E,147,148,272C) Standards of practice for physicians who perform or induce abortions—definitions—detection of fetal heartbeat—fetal heartbeat exceptions—discipline.
• Iowa Supreme Court decision: Planned Parenthood of the Heartland vs. Kim Reynolds, No. 23-1145 (April 11, 2024).

Failure to comply with the law and rules may result in licensure discipline.

Please email Seth Brown at sbrown@iowamedical.org with questions.