Healthcare Prof:
5 (1 votes)
Antiabortion-rights groups in Iowa say they will work to block Nebraska physician LeRoy Carhart from opening a new clinic that will offer abortion services later in pregnancy, the Des Moines Register reports.
Earlier this week, Carhart announced plans to open new abortion clinics in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and the suburbs of Washington, D.C., as nicely as expand services in Indianapolis. The decision was prompted by a recently implemented Nebraska law (LB 1103) prohibiting abortion after 20 weeks’ gestation based on supporters’ claims that fetuses can feel pain at that stage. Carhart did not disclose the specific location of the Iowa facility and said he is still soliciting donations for its construction.
Carhart, one with the few U.S. providers who perform abortions later in pregnancy, said there is “certainly a need to have,” noting that the locations of the new clinics “are where the laws are favorable for us to do the practice that I require to do.” Iowa law allows abortion after the second trimester if a doctor determines the procedure is necessary to “preserve the life or health” of the woman.
Iowa Right to Life Executive Director Jenifer Bowen said, “Obviously, Carhart sees that as a big loophole or he wouldn’t be planning to come here.” Bowen and other abortion-rights opponents say they will push for tighter restrictions in Iowa, taking advantage of the recent influx of antiabortion-rights lawmakers elected in the state. Maggie DeWitte, executive director of Iowans for Life, said abortion-rights opponents “have a real opportunity this session, as opposed to past years.”
In last week’s elections, Republicans regained control of the state House and former Gov. Terry Branstand (R) — who opposes abortion rights — was re-elected to the position. Democrats maintained manage of the state Senate (Leys, Des Moines Register, 11/12).
Reprinted with kind permission from http://www.nationalpartnership.org. You can view the entire Day-to-day Women’s Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women’s Well being Policy Report is actually a free service with the National Partnership for Girls & Families.
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