The role abortion could play for Des Moines' next mayor

Catch up fast: Councilperson Josh Mandelbaum proposed a resolution last year that would prohibit DSM police from investigating complaints about health care providers that facilitate abortion procedures.

• The policy would lay the groundwork to help resist enforcement should stricter abortion regulations or bans be enacted in Iowa, he said at the time.
• No action was taken because neither Mayor Frank Cownie nor the majority of council members supported advancing it for discussion, as required by procedural rules.

Meanwhile, a judge issued an injunction shortly after Iowa lawmakers held a special legislative session in July that banned almost all abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy.

• Abortion, for now, remains legal in Iowa during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.

What they're saying: Mandelbaum tells us his colleagues were afraid to discuss his proposal in public meetings last year for fear of retaliation from abortion opponents, including Gov. Kim Reynolds.

• If elected mayor, he would be able to call the issue up for discussion and possible vote himself.

Zoom in: Connie Boesen, a councilperson who is also a candidate for mayor, declined to note whether she favors the resolution but said she supports any actions the city can legally take to protect reproductive care.

• Candidate Denver Foote supports the proposal while candidate Christopher Von Arx does not.

Of note: Three DSM City Council members Tuesday announced their support for Councilperson Boesen for mayor.

• Some cited Mandelbaum's push on state and federal issues as a reason for their support.

Bottom line: Abortion could become an issue before DSM's City Council next year depending on who is elected.

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