Minnesota prepares for influx of patients from Iowa as abortion ban takes effect
Minnesota medical providers and public officials are preparing for the arrival of new patients before an Iowa law banning most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy goes into effect
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota medical providers and public officials are preparing to welcome patients traveling from Iowa, where a ban on most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy goes into effect Monday.
On Thursday, Minnesota's Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan toured the Whole Woman’s Health of Minnesota, a nonprofit abortion clinic in the city of Bloomington. She welcomed Iowa residents who were seeking abortions after the state's new restrictions take effect.
Previously, abortion was legal up to 20 weeks of pregnancy in Iowa. Last July, the state's Republican-controlled legislature passed a new ban on the procedure after six weeks of pregnancy, which is often before women know they are pregnant. There are limited exceptions in cases of rape, incest, fetal abnormality or when the life of the mother is in danger.
Sarah Traxler, an OB-GYN based in Minnesota and the chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood North Central States, said Iowa's law could have ripple effects throughout the region.
