DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowa’s five Republican members of Congress joined 223 of their colleagues, signing an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to uphold a Mississippi law that protects the unborn. Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization specifically challenges Mississippi’s Gestational Age Act, which states abortions cannot be performed after 15 weeks.
The Supreme Court will hear the case this fall, possibly determining the constitutionality of pre-viability restrictions on abortions.
The amicus brief asks the Supreme Court to “uphold Mississippi’s law as effectuating important state interests, or, alternatively, return this case to the lower courts for consideration on a full evidentiary record, recognizing that certain precedents [Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey] may be reconsidered and, where necessary, be wholly or partially overruled.”
“Mississippi’s case provides the Court a chance to release its vise grip on abortion politics, as Congress and the States have shown that they are ready and able to address the issue in ways that reflect Americans’ varying viewpoints and are grounded in the science of fetal development and maternal health,” the brief states.
“It is long overdue for this Court to return lawmaking to legislators,” the brief argues.
Most of Iowa’s Republican members of Congress explained why they joined the amicus brief.
“It’s simple: states should have the freedom to pass laws that protect life. I’m proud to stand with over 200 members of Congress in urging the Supreme Court to uphold state laws on life and to protect the unborn,” U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, told The Iowa Torch.
“I was proud to sign onto this Amicus Brief. I will always stand up for life and defend the unborn, and also fight to ensure that taxpayers don’t fund abortions against their will,” U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, shared with The Iowa Torch.
“I believe that all life is sacred and we must work to protect the unborn. During my time in Congress, I have been a consistent advocate for pro-life values. Protecting the lives of innocent children is one of my top priorities in Congress. If children are truly our future, then it is time we start acting like it,” U.S. Rep. Mariannettte Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, told The Iowa Torch.
This case has the potential to save millions of innocent lives, and that is why I am honored to support this congressional amicus brief. I will continue praying that the Supreme Court upholds the constitutionality of pre-viability restrictions on abortions. Doing so will set an important precedent for states like Iowa in implementing pro-life policies that protect the fundamental right to life,” U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, said in a released statement.
The Iowa Torch also reached out to U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley’s office for comment but did not hear back before publication.
You can read the amicus brief below:
