The Iowa Legislature had a late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. However, when the sun rose, Senate File 359, commonly referred to as the “fetal heartbeat bill,” was passed by the House and Senate.

It will now head to Governor Kim Reynolds’ desk to potentially be signed into law. The controversial bill has been championed by State Senator Jake Chapman (R – District 10), and prohibits doctors from performing abortions once a heartbeat has been detected, which is typically around six weeks after conception. After months of contentious discussion, the bill passed through the House Wednesday night at around 10 p.m., with a slim 51-46 margin. It then went back before the Senate, who approved it with a vote of 29-17 just after 2 a.m.

Chapman says many moderate Republicans were hesitant to support the bill, but enough were swayed after amendments were added that allow abortions in cases of rape, incest, and fetal anomalies inconsistent with life. Though the bill is headed to the governor for final approval, the issue isn’t resolved. Opponents have said a court appeal to the bill will come if it’s signed into law, as it would fly in the face of the Roe vs. Wade U.S. Supreme Court ruling. However, Chapman says that’s been one of their goals all along, as he sees it as an avenue for challenging the decision and eventually making all abortions illegal.

“I truly believe life begins at conception, but I think this bill moves that ball forward, almost down to the five-yard-line. A lot has changed since Roe v. Wade. Hearts and minds have changed, and I truly believe that back in 1973 we didn’t have the technology we have today. And so I think Iowans are ready for this, (and) a lot of people (are) very excited about us getting this bill passed.”

Opponents have pointed out several potential problems the bill creates: it would ban abortions before many women even discover they’re pregnant; they feel it will make it hard to attract doctors to practice in the state, and many will leave; and the legal costs of defending the bill will waste taxpayer money. To the latter concern, Chapman claims there are pro-life attorneys willing to take the case pro bono. To hear more from Chapman, listen to yesterday’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.