Iowa Abortion Rate Drops, Out-of-State Care Surges

One year after Iowa's six-week abortion ban took effect, the number of abortions performed in the state dropped 74%, from 2,771 in 2023 to 378 in the first five months of 2024. This decline has driven a 182% increase in Iowans traveling to neighboring states such as Minnesota and Nebraska for abortion care, significantly raising financial and logistical burdens. Clinic closures have further reduced in-state access, leaving only two operational clinics. The Iowa Abortion Access Fund reports a surge in requests for travel and assistance, while pro-life advocates see the law as progress but continue to push for more restrictions, including on abortion pills. Reproductive rights advocates and Iowa Democrats argue the law has normalized interstate travel for reproductive healthcare and stripped local access. Both sides expect further legislative battles over abortion in Iowa.