Supporters of legal abortion celebrate Iowa Supreme Court deadlock at Water Works Park

From Des Moines Register staff
·1 min read
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Drake University law professor Sally Frank speaks during a celebration rally at the Des Moines Biergarten at Water Works Park on Friday.
Drake University law professor Sally Frank speaks during a celebration rally at the Des Moines Biergarten at Water Works Park on Friday.

Marking an unexpected outcome that, for now, is keeping abortion legal in Iowa, about 30 people gathered at the Des Moines Biergarten in Water Works Park on Friday evening for what turned out to be a celebration.

Planned Parenthood yard signs mark the site of a celebration rally at the Des Moines Biergarten at Water Works Park on Friday.
Planned Parenthood yard signs mark the site of a celebration rally at the Des Moines Biergarten at Water Works Park on Friday.

On Friday morning, the Iowa Supreme Court announced it had deadlocked 3-3, leaving in place an injunction preventing a law banning abortions after the sixth week of pregnancy.

People listen to speakers during a celebration rally at the Des Moines Biergarten at Water Works Park on Friday.
People listen to speakers during a celebration rally at the Des Moines Biergarten at Water Works Park on Friday.

Not knowing what the outcome would be, representatives of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa and Planned Parenthood North Central States had set the Solidarity Circle for Reproductive Freedom gathering for 5 p.m.

Mazie Stilwell, Planned Parenthood North Central States director of public affairs, speaks during a celebration rally at the Des Moines Biergarten at Water Works Park on Friday.
Mazie Stilwell, Planned Parenthood North Central States director of public affairs, speaks during a celebration rally at the Des Moines Biergarten at Water Works Park on Friday.

As Iowa Republican leaders mulled the next steps in their fight against abortion, supporters of abortion rights held similar gatherings around the state in Ames, Cedar Rapids and Davenport.

Gabriela Fuentes, Planned Parenthood North Central States senior advocacy strategist, speaks during a celebration rally at the Des Moines Biergarten at Water Works Park on Friday.
Gabriela Fuentes, Planned Parenthood North Central States senior advocacy strategist, speaks during a celebration rally at the Des Moines Biergarten at Water Works Park on Friday.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Continuation of legal abortion in Iowa draws supporters to rally in Des Moines' Water Works Park