Two governors from Democratic states that border Iowa are offering their states as pro-choice havens for women after Iowa’s six-week abortion went into effect Monday.
Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, said neighbors are taken care of in his state.
“It’s just what we do,” Mr. Walz wrote on X Monday. “As our neighbors in Iowa are stripped of their fundamental rights, my message is clear: Your reproductive freedom will remain protected in Minnesota.”
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker called the ban “disturbing,” and said any women in need of reproductive services can cross state lines.
“Here in Illinois, we will welcome our Iowan neighbors for reproductive freedom and whatever care they need,” Mr. Pritzker wrote on X. “Please know — as you work to maneuver around this dangerous and unjust law — we are here for you.”
The six-week law was passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature last year. The law was only in effect for a few days before legal challenges were filed and a district judge temporarily blocked it. The state’s Supreme Court ruled 4-3 in June that the Constitution does not mention the right to abortion.
“Today is a victory for life. There is nothing more sacred and no cause more worthy than protecting innocent unborn lives,” Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds said. “I remain deeply committed to supporting women in planning for motherhood, promoting the importance of fatherhood, elevating adoption, and protecting in vitro fertilization. Families are the foundation of society, and policies that encourage strong families will make our state and country strong for generations to come.”
The Iowa law says abortions are illegal after cardiac activity can be detected — which is roughly six weeks — but it is also before many women know they’re pregnant.
Mr. Walz and Mr. Pritzker have been floated as possible running mates for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Ms. Harris also criticized the law Monday with a post and video on X.
“This morning, more than 1.5 million women in Iowa woke up with fewer rights than they had last night because of another Trump Abortion Ban,” she said. “In November, we will stop Trump’s extreme abortion bans at the ballot box.”
Her campaign launched a “Fight for Reproductive Freedom” week of action that will feature events across battleground states.
• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.