The bill establishes new regulations regarding medication abortions in Iowa, focusing on informed consent and the dispensing of abortion-inducing drugs. It defines key terms such as "abortion," "abortion-inducing drug," and "medication abortion," and mandates that facilities performing medication abortions must post a conspicuous sign informing patients about the potential ineffectiveness of medication abortions and the possibility of reversing their effects. Additionally, physicians are required to obtain written certification from the pregnant woman confirming that she has been informed of the associated risks and the potential for reversal prior to the procedure.
Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to provide informational materials on its website regarding the reversal of medication abortions. It also stipulates that mifepristone, a drug used in medication abortions, can only be dispensed directly to patients in a healthcare setting. Non-compliance with these regulations by physicians may result in disciplinary action against their licenses. Importantly, the bill clarifies that it does not create or recognize a right to an abortion nor impose liability on women who undergo the procedure.