The Republican-led Iowa legislature has voted to establish a 24-hour waiting period for abortions performed in the state. Two years ago, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled a 72-hour waiting period was unconstitutional. Representative

Senator Liz Mathis, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, says the money the state has spent litigating the abortion issue would be better spent elsewhere.

The 24-hour waiting period emerged as a policy option for G-O-P lawmakers Saturday after it became clear a proposed constitutional amendment relating to abortion could not pass the Iowa House. All but one Democrat in the legislature voted against the bill.

Governor Reynolds has supported abortion restrictions in the past and is expected to sign the bill.