Yikes.

May 6, 2026.

Among other ill-conceived decisions made by the sleep-deprived state legislature this session was a ban on the telehealth prescription of mifepristone.  This proven-safe drug is often, but not exclusively, used to medically induce abortion.  Republican lawmakers argue this ban will eliminate “black market” abortion pills.  Good idea…except black market abortion pills are illegal already.

GOP extremists also insist that mail-order mifepristone comes without doctor supervision.  Wrong again.  Only Iowa-licensed physicians can prescribe this medication to Iowa residents. Finally, far right republicans assert that only in-person visits can reveal signs of coercion or abuse.  Maybe.  But perhaps a private, home-based telehealth option encourages more such reports.  But this is not the point.

The purpose of this bill is not to protect women’s health.  It is to control them and limit their choices.  Surely these legislators know Iowa has the fewest OB-GYN specialists per capita in the nation. If you do find an in-state doctor, they cannot assist an abortion under current law.  So, requiring an in-person appointment also requires travel, expense and family/work disruption that may not be possible, particularly for low-income women.  It’s a sham and it’s shameful to impose one’s own personal beliefs on others.

What’s truly ironic is that the very same legislators who are so deeply concerned about women’s well-being also voted to make ivermectin available without any prescription.  This highly toxic drug is often used to kill parasites in humans and animals.  When not administered properly ivermectin can actually cause your skin to peel off.  Yikes.