Abortions in Iowa drop post-Dobbs decision

The number of abortions performed in Iowa has declined since the Dobbs decision, a first-of-its-kind analysis finds.

The big picture: The trend is likely driven by a new 24-hour abortion waiting period that became enforceable in July, said Emily Bisek, spokesperson for Planned Parenthood North Central States.

Driving the news: The new report, released Oct. 28, found that 27% fewer abortions took place in Iowa during August compared to April, according to WeCount, an arm of the Society of Family Planning, which supports abortion rights.

• That equates to about 100 abortions, according to the report.
• Nationwide, the decline was about 6%.

What they're saying: Even though abortion is still legal in Iowa, restrictions like the 24-hour law are making it harder for people seeking the procedure, Bisek said.

• The new law, which started a week after the Dobbs ruling, requires patients to get two appointments at a clinic with a 24-hour timestamp in between.
• If a patient has to drive a long distance or find childcare for those appointments, that can be burdensome, especially for low-income patients, Bisek said.

The other side: Gov. Kim Reynolds, who signed the bill into law back in 2020, previously said it was meant to "stand up for the sanctity of life" and "protect the unborn child."