ACLU of Iowa Objects to Attempt to Withhold Abortion Coverage From Qualified Women

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org

Des Moines, IA– The ACLU of Iowa is today announcing its objection to a petition to the Iowa Department of Human Services for emergency rules filed by 41 anti-choice politicians. The petition demands that women qualified for medicaid be denied remimbursement for abortions resulting from rape, incest, or a devastating fetal health diagnosis.

The ACLU of Iowa has filed its criticism of the petition, joining Planned Parenthood of the Heartland and other organizations. All have filed comments objecting to the petition’s demand that the department forego notice and public participation before rewriting the administrative rules governing abortion coverage under Iowa Medicaid.

“The petitioners ask the department to withhold medical coverage from women who have been raped or whose pregnancy has taken a catastrophic turn,” said Ben Stone, ACLU of Iowa Executive Director. “It doesn’t get more mean-spirited than that.”

“Their petition petition asks the department for a procedural run-around that violates Iowa law about how administrative agencies can make rules,” said Stone. “Iowa law is very clear about when emergency rulemaking is allowed, and when it’s inappropriate.”