Iowa Bill Banning Abortion Based on Fetal Weight (SF 2055)

This law was last updated on Jun 28, 2016

State

Iowa

Number

SF 2055

Status

Failed to Pass

Proposed

Jan 26, 2016

Topics

20-Week Bans, Fetal Homicide

Full Bill Text

www.legis.iowa.gov

SF 2055 would prohibit a physician from performing an abortion, except in the case of a medical emergency, if the fetus has reached a weight of 350 grams or more.

The average fetus weighs 350 grams somewhere between the 20th and 21st week of gestation.

A person who performs an abortion in violation of the prohibition would be guilty of a class “C” felony.

The bill also amends the feticide statute to include intentional terminations of a pregnancy when the fetus has reached a weight of 350 grams or more. A person found guilty of feticide would face a class “C” felony. A person found guilty of attempted feticide would face a class “D” felony.

A class “C” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than 10 years and a fine of at least $1,000 but not more than $10,000. A class “D” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than five years and a fine of at least $750 but not more than $7,500.