Codify the Right to Access Safe Abortions;
Counterbalance it with The “Safe Sex, Safe Hearts” Campaign

Right to Access during 1st Trimester; Medical Exceptions for 2nd and 3rd Trimesters
by Sondra Wilson. Updated July 23, 2025.

On July 29, 2024, Iowa’s so-called “heartbeat bill” (HF 732 / Iowa Code §146C) went into effect — banning nearly all abortions after about six weeks. This is a medically unsound, dangerous law. Most women* don’t even realize they’re pregnant by six weeks. And yet they’re expected to schedule consultations, secure time off work, arrange transportation, and undergo a procedure in that short window.

This isn’t about life.

This is about control — over women’s bodies, queer bodies, and the reproductive decisions of working-class Iowans.

My Legal and Legislative Response

As Governor, I will sign legislation to amend the Iowa Civil Rights Act to codify the right to abortion during the first trimester, with medical and humanitarian exceptions thereafter. I’ve also filed a federal class-action lawsuit — Wilson et al v. Trump et al — which addresses abortion bans as unconstitutional under the 9th and 14th Amendments. The amended petition is currently in preparation.

It’s Not About “Life” 

Let’s be honest: abortion bans are not grassroots movements. They are top-down political manipulations — funded by special interests that use. Veterans didn’t fight and die so extremists could violate civil liberties under the guise of faith.

In Iowa, we honor constitutional rights and respect women*.

In America, we don’t legislate religion.

What My Administration Will Do

Codify Abortion Rights into the Iowa Civil Rights Act

I will enshrine abortion access in state law as a fundamental civil right, directly tied to bodily autonomy, gender equality, and freedom from religious coercion.

The state may not:

  • Delay or obstruct medically necessary abortion care

  • Intimidate providers or patients

  • Pass vague, moralistic bans masquerading as policy

Guarantee Prompt, Safe, and Affordable Care

Too many Iowans face delays, shame, and travel burdens. As Governor, I’ll fight to:

  • Expand access to clinics and telemedicine

  • Fund travel/logistics support for rural patients

  • Ensure abortion is treated as routine health care, not a political weapon

Include Medical & Humanitarian Exceptions

Pregnancies are complex and unpredictable. Abortions must remain available in cases of:

  • Severe fetal abnormalities

  • Stillbirths or life-threatening complications

  • Rape or incest—regardless of when it’s reported

  • Domestic violence or housing instability

Healthcare is not one-size-fits-all. Politicians don’t belong in the exam room.

Enforce Anti-Harassment Protections

Abortion patients and providers deserve protection from:

  • Stalking and intimidation outside clinics

  • Employer retaliation or religious coercion

  • Abuse from partners or family over their medical choices

Harassment is harassment—full stop.
Iowa must defend patients’ privacy and dignity.

Operation Magna Carta II

Codifying the Right to Abortion
goes hand-in-hand with
The “Safe Sex, Safe Hearts” Campaign

I promise to stand up for the dignity and respect of women, transgender, and nonbinary people. The 9th Amendment guarantees reproductive rights—and we must not violate the Constitution. We may not all believe the same things, but we can honor our social contract by defending each other’s rights.

Sondra

 

Do You Object to the Loss of Your Abortion Rights?
Become a Co-Plaintiff in the Class Action

Although just a comedy skit, there Actor and Comedian George Carlin (May 12, 1937 – June 22, 2008) makes some really good points in this famous “pro-life” skit that I’m sharing in accordance with the Fair Use Doctrine. Trigger Warning: There’s are naughty words.

Please Help Support My Campaign

Read My Full Platform

References

* Instead of writing out “women and nonbinary, etc.” over and over, I wrote “women*” throughout this piece. To Iowans in the queer community, this was done so that the many Iowans who are still resistant and/or abusive toward people in the queer culture would at least take the time to read this page. If I wrote out “women and nonbinary”, a large portion of the Iowa population would have probably just looked at those words, said, “Woke,” and wouldn’t have read any further on this important topic. We can’t waive a magic wand to change the world, but if we are wise and patient with people, we can help people grow in love, compassion, and understanding one step at a time.

[1]: Krebs, Natalie. (Nov. 21, 2024). Abortions drop in Iowa in the months following ‘heartbeat’ law going into effect. Iowa Public Radio. https://www.iowapublicradio.org/health/2024-11-21/abortions-drop-in-iowa-in-the-months-following-six-week-ban-heartbeat-law. *

[2]: Benjamin N. Cardozo, The Paradoxes of Legal Science 97 (1928). 
 
 
[4]: U.S. House of Representatives. Title 18 United States Code § 242 Deprivation of rights under color of law. Office of Law Revision Counsel. https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=Deprivation+of+rights+under+color+of+law&f=treesort&fq=true&num=3&hl=true&edition=prelim&granuleId=USC-prelim-title18-section242.
 
 
 
[5]: U.S. House of Representatives. 18 USC § 3559(a)(7) Sentencing classification of offenses. Office of Law Revision Counsel. https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:18%20section:3559%20edition:prelim)%20OR%20(granuleid:USC-prelim-title18-section3559)&f=treesort&edition=prelim&num=0&jumpTo=true.