DNC Women’s Media Director Elizabeth Renda released the following statement in response to the abortion ban circulating in the Iowa state legislature and the abortion ban passed by the Mississippi legislature that is awaiting Governor Phil Bryant’s signature today:

“Once again, women across the country are under attack by Republicans. The states of Iowa and Mississippi are set to enact what would be the two strictest abortion bans in the country in a blatant attack on a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body. Iowa’s proposed 6-week ban and Mississippi’s proposed 15-week ban are perfect examples of Republicans’ ceaseless, nefarious efforts to curtail women’s rights and push their partisan-fueled agendas. Under both of these shameful bills, a 12-year-old child raped by a family member would be forced to carry her child to term, as neither piece of legislation even makes exemptions for cases of rape, incest, or age. As always, Democrats are the only line of defense between Republican’s attacks on fundamental reproductive rights and a woman’s right to make decisions about her own health with her doctor. While Republicans play partisan games with women’s health decisions, Democrats will continue to lead and fight for women across the country.”

**ICYMI**

WQAD: Iowa House Republicans advance fetal heartbeat abortion ban

March 15, 2018

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa House Republicans on Wednesday advanced a legislative effort to ban most abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected by adding the measure to a separate bill.

A Republican-led panel agreed to approve legislation that would ban the sale of fetal tissue. The heartbeat provision, which would prohibit most abortions as early as 6 weeks of pregnancy, was tacked on during the meeting.

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CBS: Mississipi governor has Monday deadline to sign nation’s most restrictive abortion law

March 19, 2018

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant is poised to sign the nation's strictest abortion restrictions into law, and the state's only abortion clinic is preparing an immediate legal challenge.

The Republican has a Monday deadline to act on House Bill 1510 , which bans abortions after 15 weeks' gestation. Bryant says he will sign it, saying he wants Mississippi to be the “safest place in America for an unborn child.”

The bill will become law immediately. Pregnancies from rape and incest are not exempted.

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