DES MOINES, Iowa — Vice President Kamala Harris was in Des Moines Friday to discuss reproductive rights in the state.
Harris met with health care providers, patients, local leaders and abortion advocates in Iowa. The discussion was the latest in a series of meetings Harris has held in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
This marked the second visit of this kind the vice president has made to the Des Moines metro, and her second visit since taking office.
"I would urge all of us to also consider and agree on this subject," Harrs said Friday. "One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree the government should not be telling her what to do."
Harris received a standing ovation for that sentiment and outlined what she believes are every day impacts on abortion restrictions.
"Women in our country are having miscarriages and toilet," the vice president said. "Laws are being passed that make no exception for rape or incest."
Back in March, Harris met with local leaders at Grand View University to discuss abortion access.
Her July visit follows a whirlwind month for abortion access in Iowa.
On July 11, Iowa legislators passed a near-total abortion ban during a special legislative session. The bill effectively bans abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, around the time a fetal heartbeat is detected.
Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the bill into law on July 14, but just three days later, a judge put a pause on the new restrictions.
Reynolds has since filed an appeal, which was approved by the Iowa Supreme Court.
The state Supreme Court can rule on the temporary injunction alone, or it can decide to fast-forward a decision on merits of the law itself.
As of late July, abortion remains legal in Iowa up to 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Harris isn't the only high-profile politician in Des Moines Friday: Several GOP presidential hopefuls, including former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, will attend the 2023 Lincoln Dinner on Friday evening.
The Associated Press contributed to this report