Relating to the right to refuse certain medical services for reasons of conscience

Where it is now

1. ✓
   Done: IntroducedFebruary 3, 2025
2. ✓
   Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 4, 2025
3. ✓
   Done: Senate committeeMarch 5, 2025
4. ✓
   Done: Passes the SenateMarch 26, 202532–15
5. ✓
   Done: House committeeApril 2, 2025
6. ✕
   Stopped: Passes the HouseDied when the General Assembly ended
7. Next: To the Governor
8. Next: Signed into law

Died when the session ended The General Assembly adjourned on October 2, 2026. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died. What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

This bill relates to an individual’s right to refuse medical services for reasons of conscience. The bill provides that if a medical service is declared a countermeasure under the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, or the United States food and drug administration issues an emergency use authorization for a medical service, an individual may refuse the medical service for reasons of conscience, including religious convictions. If an individual refuses a medical service, then an entity as described in the bill is prohibited from taking certain actions relating to employment, receipt of services and commerce, segregation, penalties, financial coercion, and discrimination.

From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text

House subcommittee

Named March 28, 2025. On April 2, 2025 it recommended passage.

• Rep. Skyler Wheeler REmail
• Rep. Steven C. Holt REmail
• Rep. Dr. Megan L. Srinivas DEmail

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

Iowa Code it changes

Creates§139A.27

Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works