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June 28, 2024 The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) expresses disappointment in today’s ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court, which compromises the sanctity of the physician-patient relationship and jeopardizes the provision of quality health care. On a 4-3 vote, the Iowa Supreme Court voted to lift the injunction on the ‘fetal heartbeat’ law passed during the 2023 special session. The law prevents physicians from providing medically necessary health care within accepted standards of care, except in a narrow set of circumstances. Today’s decision means the injunction blocking the law from going into effect has been lifted and will be sent back to the lower court to execute the ruling. The law must first be sent back to the lower court to remove the temporary injunction. The court stated, “We reverse the order granting the temporary injunction and remand the case for the district court to dissolve the temporary injunction and continue with further proceedings.” IMS supports shared decision-making between patients and their physicians, without government interference. According to data reported by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, one-third of Iowa’s 99 counties qualify as maternity health deserts due to lack of OB/GYNs and birthing hospitals or birthing centers. 1 Government regulation criminalizing physicians for providing evidence-based medical care within accepted standards of care deters physicians from practicing in Iowa and jeopardizes access to high-quality maternal health services. IMS continues to monitor developments resulting from this decision and provide guidance on how this impacts your…
Sara Opie
Director of Communications & Marketing
sopie@iowamedical.org
515-710-5042
Sydney Maras
Communications Manager
smaras@iowamedical.org
515-657-2756
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…
Read MoreStatement regarding Iowa Supreme Court Decision
June 28, 2024 The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) expresses disappointment in today’s ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court, which compromises the sanctity of the physician-patient relationship and jeopardizes the provision of quality health care. On a 4-3 vote, the Iowa Supreme Court voted to lift the injunction on the…
Read MorePhysician Shortage Crisis in Cedar Rapids
For immediate release: May 9, 2024 DES MOINES, IA – Iowa is currently facing a physician workforce shortage crisis and is ranked 45th in the nation for patient-to-physician ratios per 100,000 population. To address the shortage and other state healthcare priorities, the Iowa Medical Society (IMS) will be in Cedar…
Read MoreUrban Bicycle Food Ministry, Vallery Griffis, and Marygrace Elson, MD, honored at IMS President’s Reception
For immediate release: April 22, 2024 DES MOINES — The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) proudly announces the recipients of its esteemed awards for 2024, recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to public health and the field of healthcare. Urban Bicycle Food Ministry: Washington Freeman Peck Award The…
Read MoreDavid Muller, MD, Recipient of 2024 Physician Humanitarian Award
For Immediate Release: April 22, 2024 DES MOINES, IA – The Iowa Medical Society (IMS) and COPIC are delighted to announce Cedar Rapids-based ophthalmologist David Muller, MD, as the distinguished recipient of the 2024 IMS/COPIC Physician Humanitarian Award. This prestigious award is bestowed annually to honor physicians in Iowa who…
Read MoreIowa Medical Society brings statewide advocacy efforts to Burlington
Focus is Iowa’s physician shortage crisis For Immediate Release: March 4, 2024 DES MOINES, IA – Iowa is currently facing a physician crisis like never before. Iowa is ranked 45th in the nation for patient to physician ratios per 100,000 population. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, in…
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