Iowa’s near-total abortion ban is in effect. Nonetheless, Iowans are still getting abortions. It’s just harder and more expensive, often requiring travel outside the state.
On this episode of Cornhole Champions, hosts Zachary Oren Smith speaks with Iowa Abortion Access Fund’s Lyz Lenz about the crisis unfolding six months after Iowa’s six-week abortion ban took effect. Since July 2024, the number of Iowans needing abortion funding has tripled, with hundreds forced to travel to Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Kansas for care. Lenz argues that while the ban hasn’t stopped abortions, it has made them more expensive, delayed, and dangerous.
Then get some facts on the abortion pill mifepristone, the newest target of Iowa Republicans’ crusade against reproductive rights.
Guests:
– Mica Chase is a resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
– Dr. Sarah Traxler is the chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood North Central States.
– Lyz Lenz is the chair of the board of directors at the Iowa Abortion Access Fund.
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Since day one, our goal here at Iowa Starting Line has always been to empower people across the state with fact-based news and information. We believe that when people are armed with knowledge about what's happening in their local, state, and federal governments—including who is working on their behalf and who is actively trying to block efforts aimed at improving the daily lives of Iowan families—they will be inspired to become civically engaged.
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