A state district court judge struck down Tuesday the so-called fetal heartbeat law passed last May by the Iowa Legsilature.
Polk County District Court Judge Michael Huppert granted a motion for summary judgment in the case, ruling against the state of Iowa and in favor of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland and the Iowa City-based Emma Goldman Clinic.
Huppert ruled unconstitutional the law that would have prohibited physicians in Iowa from performing abortions when a fetal heartbeat is detected, which occurs as early as the sixth week of pregnancy.
In his nine-page ruling, the judge ruled the abortion law violated Iowa women’s due-process rights under the Iowa Constitution along with their rights to liberty, safety and happiness and their rights to equal protection.
The district court decision is expected to be appealed by anti-abortion advocates.
