Iowa Republicans Withdraw Anti-Abortion Provision From Budget Bill
To avoid a costly budget standoff, Republicans in Iowa have withdrawn an anti-abortion provision that would have wiped out state funds used to help women get abortions, if they get pregnant through rape or incest. The provision would have also slashed funding for Planned Parenthood in Iowa, which would have significantly harmed critical women’s health services, such as cancer screenings.
The standoff came to an end on Wednesday after Republican lawmakers dropped the measure, guaranteeing the passage of the $6.24 billion budget which secures$1.59 billion for women’s health services and other social programs.
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According to the Des Moines Register, “Floor debate over the hot-button abortion issue was restrained in the Senate, where Democrats hold a majority, and the Republican-controlled House. The bill ultimately passed 27-18 in the Senate and 53-44 in the House.”
Republicans say they intend to pass the draconian anti-abortion measure next January, but for now, women who become pregnant via rape or incest will have decent access to crucial abortion services, and women across the state of Iowa will still be able to rely on Planned Parenthood for life saving cancer screenings, and other health procedures and treatments. This is a great victory for women in Iowa.
But more victories need to follow. Republicans are still waging their war against women in Kansas, Arizona, and many other conservative controlled states, and are still attacking women’s rights in the House of Representatives. Women have a duty to stand up for their right to make their own reproductive decisions.If they fail to do so, Republican men have no problem making those decisions for them, whether women like it or not.
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