HF 2788: Relating to abortions including definitions, informed consent, dispensing of abortion-inducing drugs, and other abortion-related provisions

What it does

This bill relates to abortions, including informed consent, dispensing of abortion-inducing drugs, and reporting abortion-inducing drug complications. DIVISION I —— ABORTION DEFINED. The bill excludes a spontaneous termination of pregnancy, if not all the products of conception are expelled, from the definition of abortion for the purpose of the reporting requirements and penalties on abortions under Code chapter 146B (abortion —— postfertilization age). DIVISION II —— INFORMED CONSENT. Under the bill, a physician, prior to performing or attempting to perform an abortion, is required to perform an in-person examination of the woman seeking an abortion, including screening for indicia of coercion or abuse; if necessary, the physician shall make a referral to an appropriate health care provider consistent with the examination results.

Senate subcommittee · named May 2, 2026

• Sen. Mark Costello (R) · mark.costello@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Matt Blake (D) · matt.blake@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. et al

Lobbying · 11 for, 16 against

For: Concerned Women For America of Iowa; Iowa Baptists For Biblical Values; Iowa Catholic Conference; Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition; Iowa Minuteman Civil Defense Corps; Iowa Right to Life Committee; Lutheran Family Service; Pulse Life Advocates; The Family Leader; The Family Leader Foundation; VALOR Iowa

Against: American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists; Bitches Get Stuff Done; Episcopal Diocese of Iowa; Family Planning Council of Iowa; Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Action Fund; Iowa Atheists and Freethinkers; Iowa Baptists For Biblical Values; Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Iowa Integrated Health Planning and Advisory Council; Iowa Medical Society; Iowa Nurses Association; Iowa Pharmacy Association; and 4 more

In plain words

1. April 29, 2026Filed in the House
2. May 1, 2026Passed the House, 58–29
3. May 2, 2026Arrived in the Senate
4. May 2, 2026Senate subcommittee named: Costello, Blake and et al
5. May 3, 2026Approved by the Senate committee
6. May 3, 2026Passed the Senate, 30–11
7. May 18, 2026Sent to the Governor
8. May 19, 2026Signed into law