A statehouse hearing gave supporters and opponents of abortion a chance to voice their opinions on a proposed constitutional amendment. Republican lawmakers have drafted the amendment in response to the Iowa Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling that Iowa’s Constitution guarantees women a right to an abortion.

Two consecutive Iowa General Assemblies must approve the language for an amendment before it’s presented to voters for ratification. That means if the 2020 Iowa legislature takes action — as expected — and the NEW legislature that convenes NEXT year also approves the language, 2021 is the earliest Iowans could vote on the amendment.