The Iowa Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision in June on Iowa’s abortion law, after hearing oral arguments about whether the law that would ban most abortions as early as six weeks of pregnancy should be allowed to take effect.
A lawyer for Planned Parenthood says the Court should use the “undue burden” standard and declare the law unconstitutional for violating women’s rights to control their bodies.
Solicitor General Eric Wessan argued for the state that Iowa plays a vital role in protecting unborn life. He says the Iowa Supreme Court should use the “rational basis” test and let the abortion ban take effect.
Abortion is currently allowed in Iowa up to 20 weeks of pregnancy.
*In other news, people attending a Sioux City event heard that as more refugees move into Iowa, there is a critical need for health care providers who understand their unique needs.
Nick Wuertz is Director of Immigrant & Refugee Community Services for Lutheran Services in Iowa, and he said eleven agencies are helping resettle 2,500 people across the state of Iowa, which is more than last year. A strong majority are coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, and Burma.
“We do see additional challenges for newcomers, who don't speak the language and are learning how to navigate insurance and all of these things,” Wuertz said.
Wuertz says there is a shortage of physicians, dentists, and especially mental health workers who can treat refugees.
He attended a conference at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City Friday on how to achieve cultural awareness in health care.
The event also attracted college students who plan to go into the medical field after graduation.
*The Iowa House passed a bill this week that would give more young drivers permission to drive themselves to work and school activities.
Teens as young as 14-and-a-half years-old who have completed driver’s ed could get a special license to drive directly to work, if a parent and employer sign off with permission.
Past rules have applied to farm work, but this would apply to all kind of employment.
The bill would reduce the distance teens could travel under the special work license from the current 50 mile radius to 25 miles.
Research suggests the risk of a car accident goes up for less experienced drivers, but Republican Representative Brent Siegrist said he still supports the plan for teens who want to start working.
The bill passed the House on a party line vote. It was amended and sent back to the Senate, where it passed last month.
*A special meeting concerning how to address climate change will be held at the public library in Ames on Saturday.
The Citizens Climate Lobby grassroots group is seeking to empower people in western Iowa who want to pursue tangible change to reduce the heat-trapping climate change that is warming the world.
One speaker will be Cornelia Mutel, who will discuss her book, Tending Iowa’s Land: Pathways to a Sustainable Future.
