Iowa Catholic Conference news update, July 27, 2024

‘Heartbeat’ law goes into effect

The new law prohibiting physicians from performing or inducing abortions after a heartbeat can be detected is scheduled to go into effect at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 29. We’re pleased to see that the heartbeat abortion law can be enforced. As the Iowa bishops have said, “human life is precious and should be protected in our laws to the greatest extent possible.” The fact that the law is going into effect should call us to be even more diligent about standing with moms and families in need and providing care, love, and support.

The law prohibits abortions after the baby’s heartbeat can be detected. Sometimes this is as early as six weeks of pregnancy. Unfortunately, some are spreading confusion about the distinction between any needed medical interventions and elective abortion procedures. Under the law, a woman can receive the emergency health care she needs.

The Iowa Catholic Conference will continue to advocate for the protection of all vulnerable populations from violence and public policies that support pregnant mothers and families.

Although the law is going into effect, there still may be a trial against the bill at the district court level.

Pregnancy support centers help families across the country. Here in Iowa, several organizations have received funding from the state’s MOMS (More Options for Maternal Support) program. They are:

• Lutheran Services in Iowa

• Bethany Christian Services in NW Iowa

• Guiding Star Cedar Valley

• Alternative Pregnancy Center in Waterloo

• Informed Choice of Iowa Corporation

• Obria Clinic of Ames

• Shenandoah Pregnancy and Resource Center.

Solidarity is a cornerstone of Catholic social teaching

We invite you to dive into the U.S. bishops’ bulletin insert on solidarity to help deepen your understanding. Pope Francis places solidarity at the center of what it means to cultivate social friendship as one family. He says, “Solidarity means much more than engaging in sporadic acts of generosity. It means thinking and acting in terms of community.” We also ask you to watch the video, “Catholics Love Their Neighbors” on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ YouTube page, https://www.youtube.com/@UsccbOrg.