Iowa ‘heartbeat bill’ will ban abortions after six weeks

IOWA is poised to ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy after the state approved the most restrictive regulations in the country.

Republicans passed the bill banning the procedure after the point that a foetal heartbeat is detected.

Kim Reynolds, Iowa’s governor, must write the bill into law, though she has not confirmed if she will sign.

If it comes into effect, the “heartbeat” bill will ban most terminations after six weeks and first requires women to have an ultrasound to screen for a heartbeat.

Critics have argued it will make abortion illegal before most women even realise they are pregnant.

The bill follows an increasing move towards restricting abortions ahead of the November midterms as Republicans are eager to advance pro-life causes in case they lose their majorities.

Democrats have criticised the “political” barriers to receiving abortions.

Iowa’s Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union have also spoken out against the bill, arguing that it is unconstitutional.