With the beginning of 2022 comes the 89th General Assembly here in Iowa. Below are four bills that are related to our life advocacy efforts. Life advocacy is an important part of the Lutheran Family Service ministry as God calls us to defend the value of life in all stages, ages, and conditions from fertilization to natural death. And, it is our goal to help you do the same in your congregation, community, and voting booth.

Four Bills to Support

1. HF2389 – Medical Abortion Pill RU486

This past week at the legislature, the judiciary full committee passed HF2119 with the full language of HF383 amended into it so they pass together. These two bills together are designed to do two things. First, they would not allow the medical abortion pill, RU486 to be mailed. Second, they would not allow RU486 to be distributed without telling the patient about the possibility of an abortion reversal as an option if they change their mind after they have taken the RU486 pills. HF2389 is the newly named bill with combined goals. You can read more about this bill HERE: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/89/HF2389.pdf

2. HF2267 – Safe Haven Baby Age

This bill proposes an extension in age of a newborn baby that can be brought into a safe haven location. Currently, a baby can be brought into a safe haven location if they are 14 days old or younger. This bill would extend the age to a baby that is 30 days old or younger. This bill has passed the subcommittee with bipartisan support. You can read more about this bill HERE: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/89/HF2267.pdf

3. HF2210 – Reporting of Abortion

This bill is designed to alter the statistical reporting of abortion in Iowa so that it brings greater understanding of the scope of abortion in Iowa and the complications associated with it that often go unreported. The Human Resources subcommittee has passed this bill along partisan lines. Now comes the wait to see if the bill will make it out of the full Human Resources Committee before funnel week ends on Friday. You can read more about this bill HERE: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/89/HF2210.pdf

4. MOMS ACT, Bill SSB3145 – Pregnancy Counseling Clinics & Resource Centers

This is a bill that appropriates 2 million dollars for reimbursing Iowa Pregnancy Counseling Clinics / Resource centers for non-medical procedures. For example, providing pregnancy counseling and material items (diapers, wipes, clothing, car seats, cribs) to women facing unplanned pregnancies. We anticipate it will go through the Senate Human Resources Committee on Thursday, prior to funnel week ending. You can read more about this bill HERE: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ba=SSB3145&ga=89

Lutheran Family Service has made it’s official declaration in favor of these four bills as they are all working towards the goal of defending God’s truth for and value of life. While there are many other worthy efforts and bills, ending abortion and stopping physician assisted suicide remain our top priorities.

What can you do?

1. Contact your representative today and express your opinion in favor of these four bills. You can find contact information for your representative online. We recommend using the “City Name” tab for best results. Find your representative HERE: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/find
2. Download and share the graphic below about the four bills on your Facebook page today! Download by clicking HERE or on the image below.

Together we stand, and together we fight for God’s truth for LIFE!

Onward for His glory,

Kim Laube
Director of Life Ministries
Lutheran Family Service