IPR's Grant Gerlock joins host Ben Kieffer to discuss his reporting on Tuesday's special session. The Capitol was crowded and loud as hundreds of pro-choice Iowans protested while Iowa legislators met for a special session. Governor Reynolds called the session to approve legislation to restrict abortion rights. Gerlock reports that Democrats made unsuccessful attempts at amending the so-called fetal heartbeat bill.
Political analysts Sara Mitchell and Donna Hoffman discuss the political implications of the late-night session and the passage of new abortion restrictions. The bill represents a near-total ban on abortion in Iowa with few exceptions that are loosely defined. Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, the Emma Goldman Clinic and the ACLU of Iowa have filed a challenge to the law in Polk County District Court, and asking for an injunction that would temporarily block the bill from taking effect.
Guests:
- Grant Gerlock, IPR reporter
- Donna Hoffman, professor of political science, University of Northern Iowa
- Sara Mitchell, F. Wendell Miller Professor of political science, University of Iowa
