Iowa's neighboring states prepare for influx of patients seeking

While abortion access remains the same in Iowa for now, neighboring states are preparing for an influx of patients following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Why it matters: States where abortions are protected are expecting scheduling challenges and difficulties getting people timely appointments.

• If Iowa's Republican trifecta passes legislation to ban abortions, Iowans will be joining thousands of others who will have to travel to blue states for the procedure.

State of play: Illinois and Minnesota abortion providers are preparing for a surge of patients as they're likely to become islands in the Midwest.

• Minnesota expects a 10-25% influx of patients, while Planned Parenthood Illinois expects out-of-state patients to double or triple to about 20,000 to 30,000 patients, according to Business Insider.
• In Illinois, clinics are trying to prepare for the influx by hiring doctors from states where the procedure is no longer allowed.

Of note: It's already become illegal in neighboring South Dakota. Western Iowans living close to the border can no longer seek the procedure at a clinic in Sioux Falls.

What's next: Democratic lawmakers have shared concerns that Governor Kim Reynolds will call for a special session centering on abortion.