In a significant move, Iowa Republicans have passed a personhood bill in the state House, intensifying the national debate over protections for in vitro fertilization (IVF). The bill, which criminalizes causing the death of an "unborn person," has raised concerns among Democrats and reproductive rights advocates who fear it could potentially target IVF care and services.

The Iowa bill, as it currently stands, lacks specific protections for embryos created through IVF. Critics argue that this omission leaves room for interpretation that IVF procedures could be subjected to criminalization. IVF involves the creation of embryos outside the body, with many embryos being discarded if not used for implantation.

This move by the GOP-controlled state House makes Iowa the latest state joining the discussions surrounding IVF protection. It closely follows the passage of a bill in Alabama, as lawmakers there seek to address the fallout over a state Supreme Court ruling that recognized embryos as children. The ruling has triggered concerns that conservative initiatives targeting abortion might extend to impact the availability and legality of IVF.

To become law, the personhood bill in Iowa must still be approved by the state Senate and signed by Republican Governor Kim Reynolds. Questions regarding Governor Reynolds' stance on the bill remained unanswered by her spokesperson.

The proposed legislation in Iowa categorizes the causing of an unborn person's death without the consent of the pregnant individual as a class 'A' felony. It also defines unintentional causing of an unborn person’s death as a class 'B' felony. These class A and B felonies carry severe penalties, with a class A felony potentially resulting in a mandatory life sentence without parole, and a class B felony carrying a maximum sentence of 25 years.

Critically, the bill's current language does not include provisions specifically addressing IVF. Reproductive rights advocates argue that essential safeguards are absent, such as clarifying that the term "unborn person" refers exclusively to embryos being carried within the womb. This distinction is crucial, as early stages of IVF involve embryos being created and stored outside the womb.

It is worth noting that the bill was sponsored by the Republican-controlled House Judiciary Committee, which did not respond to requests for comment. Democrats have criticized the bill, asserting that it disregards the national implications arising from the Alabama Supreme Court ruling.

Democratic State Representative Jennifer Konfrst expressed her concerns, stating that "Iowa Republicans will stop at nothing to ban abortion, even if it means criminalizing people undergoing IVF treatments.” Similarly, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa voiced their opposition, calling the bill "shameful" and "reckless," and emphasizing its potential implications for pregnant individuals' rights and well-being.

This bout of legislative actions targeting IVF is not limited to Iowa, as several other states have introduced personhood bills that could similarly restrict IVF treatments if enacted. The Alabama Supreme Court's ruling, declaring embryos created through IVF as children, sparked a significant backlash, prompting IVF clinics to halt services in the state. In response, Governor Kay Ivey signed a Republican-backed bill intending to offer civil and criminal immunity to healthcare professionals providing IVF treatments.

The passage of the personhood bill in Iowa confronts lawmakers with the delicate task of striking a balance between protecting reproductive rights while addressing concerns over IVF procedures. The outcome of the state Senate vote and Governor Reynolds’ decision will determine the future of reproductive freedoms and IVF practices in Iowa.