HF2788: Abortion Regulation

Makes changes in the process for Iowans accessing medications that induce an abortion (mifepristone, misoprostol).  Division I: Redefines 'abortion' to exclude miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and loss of pregnancy where not all products of conception are expelled. Division II: Mandates in-person physician examinations and coercion screening before abortions are performed and requires the physician to refer a woman to an appropriate provider when coercion is detected.  Uses the term "chemical abortion" instead of "medication abortion" and adds the definition in Iowa Code.  Defines pregnancy as starting at fertilization. Establishes new consent and information disclosure requirements for chemical abortions, including a signed acknowledgement that they were informed of a list of risks (which are purportedly included in warning labels for the medication). Physicians must also advise the pregnant woman on how to access emergency surgical intervention if necessary. Does not require informed consent when chemical abortion is performed in response to a medical emergency. The Board of Medicine must adopt rules on this and physicians who fail to comply with this are subject to licensing discipline.  Division III: Restricts the dispensing of abortion-inducing drugs by an authorized provider directly to the pregnant woman in a healthcare setting (i.e. no telehealth). States that this does not apply to emergency situations. Introduces a broad private cause of action against unauthorized dispensing, sets statutory damages that includes attorney fees and court costs, and provides for disciplinary action against noncompliant licensees. States that the civil suit can be brought by any "interested party," defined as the woman who had the abortion or a personal representative of the woman.  Keeps the name of the woman receiving the abortion confidential in court proceedings and states that this is not to be construed to impose civil or criminal liability on the woman receiving the abortion care.  Division IV: Expands termination of pregnancy reporting requirements to include whether misoprostol was used (currently only mifepristone must be disclosed).  Includes new reporting requirement for miscarriages - but only if mifepristone or misoprostol were used with 14 days prior to miscarriage. Repeals 146C (fetal heartbeat law). 

Signed by Governor May 19, 2026. Takes effect July 1, 2026.