So far, so good. Recent court rulings have preserved abortion access in two rural states, at least for now.
The Iowa Supreme Court blocked a six-week abortion ban in a 3-3 decision on June 16. The court upheld a 2019 district court ruling that blocked the law. The law, known as the “fetal heartbeat bill,” would have prohibited most abortions at about six weeks of pregnancy. The court’s decision means that abortion remains legal in Iowa until about the 20th week of pregnancy. The Iowa Supreme Court’s decision came roughly a year after the same body — and the U.S. Supreme Court — determined that women do not have a fundamental constitutional right to abortion.
Abortion is legal in Wyoming again because of a state constitutional amendment pushed by conservatives opposed to Obamacare more than a decade ago.
In a March ruling, Teton County District Court Judge Melissa Owens temporarily blocked enforcement of the state’s newly enacted abortion ban. Owens’ decision pointed to a 2012 state constitutional amendment granting Wyoming citizens the right to make healthcare decisions.
Access to abortion services in rural areas can be a complex issue, with various factors influencing the availability and accessibility of these services. Here are some key points to consider regarding abortion access in rural areas:
Limited Availability of Providers: Rural areas often have a scarcity of healthcare providers, including those trained and willing to perform abortions. This can result in longer travel distances for individuals seeking abortion services.
Travel and Transportation Challenges: Rural areas typically have limited public transportation options, making it difficult for individuals to travel long distances to reach abortion clinics. Lack of reliable transportation can add significant barriers, especially for those with limited financial resources.
Facility Closures: In recent years, there have been instances of abortion clinics in rural areas closing due to various reasons, such as restrictive legislation or financial constraints. These closures further reduce access to abortion services for individuals living in those regions.
Stigma and Privacy Concerns: In small, tightly-knit rural communities, there may be a greater fear of stigma and lack of anonymity associated with seeking abortion care. This can discourage individuals from accessing services and may contribute to a culture of silence around reproductive healthcare.
Telemedicine and Teleabortion: Telemedicine, including tele-abortion, can improve access to abortion services in rural areas. This approach allows individuals to consult with healthcare providers remotely and receive necessary prescriptions or guidance without traveling long distances. However, legal and regulatory barriers can limit the availability of tele-abortion services in some regions.
State and Local Regulations: Abortion regulations and policies vary across states and jurisdictions. Some rural areas may have stricter regulations or limited access to abortion services due to local political climates, resulting in disparities in access compared to urban or suburban areas.
Author Sherry Lane is an Iowa native and a graduate of the University of Iowa. She loves returning to Iowa each year to visit her brother and Iowa friends. Sherry lives in Washington, DC now, and enjoys assisting voters better understand the issues and the voting records of candidates who run for Congress.