Fight looms at Iowa Capitol over tighter abortion restrictions

Leaders of nine Iowa organizations opposed to abortion signed a unity pledge at the Iowa Capitol Wednesday, vowing to block government funding to organizations that perform abortions and backing legislation that declares life in Iowa begins at conception.

”This is marking the first time in more than 40 years that Iowa's pro-life community has been resolved together. We are uniting for the defense of life," said Jenifer Bowen, president of Life Right Action.

Bob Vander Plaats, president and chief executive officer of The Family Leader, a social conservative group, said the activists see a "new day" at the Iowa Capitol with Republicans controlling the Iowa House and Senate, as well as the governor's office. He said the makeup of the 2017 Iowa Legislature more strongly supports pro-life issues than any group of state lawmakers he can recall.

In addition to Life Right Action and The Family Leader, the organizations supporting the unity document included Iowa Right to Life, Iowans for Life, Iowa PAC for Life, Restored by Grace, Personhood Iowa, Lutheran Family Service and the Thomas More Society Leaders.

Read more: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/11/fight-looms-iowa-capitol-over-tighter-abortion-restrictions/96457180/