During a recent legislative hearing in Iowa, Republican Representative Emily Hartwell sparked outrage with her comments regarding a bill that would impose a state-wide ban on abortions after 20 weeks. Hartwell made it clear that her priorities lie more with protecting fetuses than with the health and choices of women.
The Hearing
At the March 30 hearing on Senate File 471, Democratic Representative Mark Dawson, whose daughter is currently 20 weeks pregnant, raised a poignant question: Should his daughter be required to carry a fetus to term even if it has no heartbeat? “Is that good medicine?” he inquired. Hartwell’s response was troubling; she stated, “This bill wasn’t written for the intent to protect or govern on the side of the woman. It was written to save babies’ lives, giving the choice and being the voice of those babies… that don’t have one.” She further asserted that if a fetus is not alive and the mother’s life is not at risk, she should indeed carry the baby to term.
Reactions and Criticism
Hartwell’s comments triggered a wave of criticism, prompting some Republican lawmakers to attempt damage control. Colin Tate, spokesperson for Iowa House Republicans, claimed that Hartwell’s remarks were taken “out of context,” and later, Hartwell herself stated she had “answered a question incorrectly and then corrected myself shortly after.” However, no other lawmakers seemed to challenge her during the discussion, revealing a concerning consensus among many conservatives who appear intent on restricting women’s reproductive rights.
Previous Legislative Attempts
This proposed legislation follows an earlier attempt in Iowa to enact a “fetal heartbeat bill,” which sought to ban abortions as early as six weeks into pregnancy. Thankfully, that extreme measure was abandoned, yet Senate File 471 remains a significant threat. If passed, it would make Iowa the 18th state to prohibit abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
The Human Cost
The implications of such laws can be devastating. For instance, a Texas couple recently shared their heartbreaking experience of being compelled to deliver a stillborn child due to similar legal restrictions, highlighting the human cost of these policies. While Senate File 471 may not be as extreme as the initial proposal, it still represents a dangerous infringement on a woman’s right to make informed choices about her health and body. Evidence shows that pro-choice legislation can actually reduce the number of abortions, demonstrating that these laws often serve more to shame women than to protect them.
Selective Application of “Pro-Life”
Interestingly, Hartwell has also supported other legislation that limits workplace injury claims and collective bargaining for public employees, suggesting a selective application of her “pro-life” stance that seems to end at the womb. It raises the question: do these lawmakers truly prioritize life, or is it merely a matter of control?
Fertility Options
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Conclusion
In summary, Representative Hartwell’s alarming remarks reflect a wider trend among some legislators to prioritize fetal rights over women’s health. As laws like Senate File 471 gain traction, the autonomy of women continues to hang in the balance.
Keyphrase: Iowa abortion legislation
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