This bill introduces comprehensive regulations concerning abortions in Iowa, emphasizing informed consent, the administration of abortion-inducing drugs, and the reporting of any complications that arise from their use. It requires physicians to conduct in-person examinations of women seeking abortions to check for coercion or abuse and to provide referrals to appropriate healthcare providers when necessary. Before prescribing or dispensing abortion-inducing drugs, physicians must obtain a signed patient agreement form and inform the woman about the associated risks and potential complications. The bill clarifies that these requirements do not apply in medical emergencies and protects women from civil or criminal liability related to chemical abortions.

Additionally, the bill establishes stringent guidelines for the dispensing of abortion-inducing drugs, mandating that they be provided directly to the woman in a healthcare setting by authorized personnel. It requires hospitals and physicians to report any complications from these drugs within 30 days while ensuring confidentiality. The Department of Health and Human Services is tasked with anonymizing and publicly disclosing this data, as well as compiling annual reports on complications. The bill also creates a private cause of action for individuals affected by the dispensing of these drugs, allowing for statutory damages and ensuring the anonymity of women involved in legal proceedings. Furthermore, it amends existing laws to enhance reporting requirements for spontaneous terminations of pregnancy, now requiring the disclosure of both mifepristone and misoprostol usage, while excluding spontaneous terminations from the definition of abortion for reporting and penalty purposes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 146A.1, 144.29A, 146B.1