Friend –

After the Iowa Supreme Court's devastating decision Friday that allows a near-total abortion ban in Iowa to take effect in a matter of weeks, I share your anger and outrage. This is a crisis moment for reproductive freedom in our state, but we will not give up and we will not back down.

With our partners, Planned Parenthood and the Emma Goldman Clinic, we will use every avenue to make sure that as many people as possible in Iowa can access abortion care, no matter their ZIP code. And we will work in the courts, in the legislature, and with our Reproductive Freedom Action Team, advocating and educating throughout the state, toward a time when Iowans have more control over their bodies and their lives.

Chief Justice Susan Christensen described the impacts of this decision in her powerful dissent, saying this ban will "force pregnant women (and young girls) to endure and suffer through life-altering health complications," and "the ominous consequences of affirming this level of government intrusion will negatively impact all current and future Iowans."

We know most Iowans want to protect abortion rights and keep politicians out of their private medical decisions. And so, we will persevere. It's what the ACLU is built to do, no matter the setbacks, and for as long as it takes. We'll continue to work for access to abortion care and reproductive freedom every step of the way.

With appreciation,

Mark Stringer
ACLU of Iowa Executive Director