In a major development in the ongoing battle over abortion rights in Iowa, a judge has temporarily blocked the state's "fetal heartbeat ban" just days after it was signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds. The law, passed last week in a special session, prohibits almost all abortions once cardiac activity can be detected, typically around six weeks of pregnancy. However, Judge Joseph Seidlin, after holding a hearing on Friday, delayed his ruling until Monday, the same day Governor Reynolds signed the bill into law.

Seidlin's injunction means that abortion is once again legal in Iowa up to 20 weeks of pregnancy while the courts evaluate the constitutionality of the new law. Governor Reynolds, determined to defend the legislation, has vowed to take the issue all the way to the state Supreme Court, accusing the "abortion industry" of trying to undermine the will of the people and their elected representatives.

While Monday's ruling temporarily pauses the law, it also specifies that the state should proceed with creating rules for enforcement in case the law goes into effect in the future. Notably, the law does permit abortion in certain circumstances, such as cases of rape or incest if reported within a specific timeframe, or if the fetus has a fetal abnormality "incompatible with life" or the woman's life is endangered by the pregnancy.

This decision by Judge Seidlin comes after a long and bitter battle over abortion rights in Iowa. Last year, the state passed a six-week ban that was challenged in court and ultimately could not be enforced. Governor Reynolds then signed the new ban into law earlier this month, sparking renewed controversy and legal challenges.

Abortion providers and advocacy groups, including the ACLU and Planned Parenthood, filed a lawsuit against the ban, arguing that it places an "undue burden" on women seeking abortions. They welcomed the judge's ruling, expressing relief that essential healthcare in Iowa can continue for now. However, they also acknowledged that the future of abortion rights in the state remains uncertain.

The legal battle in Iowa reflects a larger trend across Republican-led states, where lawmakers have been pushing for more restrictive abortion laws following the Supreme Court's decision to grant states more authority over abortion regulations. Many states have passed similar bans or restrictions, and several are currently facing legal challenges.

The fight over abortion rights is far from over, and Iowa is just one battleground in a national debate that shows no signs of abating.