1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent from Pocahontas to express my strong opposition to House File 2316, a bill that would redefine abortion as murder by treating an unborn child as a “person” from the moment of fertilization and applying homicide and criminal penalties in ways that could implicate pregnant people and healthcare providers. While I respect the intention to reduce unwanted pregnancies and support maternal and fetal health, this proposal goes too far in criminalizing reproductive healthcare and jeopardizes the doctor-patient relationship. Treating abortion as murder not only ignores the complex circumstances many people face, but it also risks criminal charges or civil liability for people who experience miscarriage, complications, or life-threatening conditions. These outcomes would deter healthcare providers from practicing in Iowa and harm families, particularly those with limited resources or access to care. I urge you to consider the real-world impacts of this bill on women, families, healthcare providers, and the broader community, and to vote against measures that would impose criminal penalties for seeking or providing reproductive healthcare. Public policy should be grounded in medical evidence, compassion, and respect for personal well-being. Thank you for your time and for representing all Iowans.