Branstad Reacts to Telemed Abortion Ruling

Governor Terry Branstad talked Monday about Friday’s Iowa Supreme Court ruling that allows so-called telemed abortions to continue.

“I was very disappointed in the court decision, and we are going to be reading and reviewing and analyzing that and determining what is the best course of action for us to take,” Branstad says.

Branstad says its’ too early to say if the state will appeal the ruling to the U-S Supreme Court.

“I do respect the fact that the courts are a separate branch of government from the executive branch of government. And I have not had the chance to review this in great detail. But I am disappointed in this decision,” Branstad says.

The Iowa Supreme Court said a rule created by the Board of Medicine requiring a doctor to be present for telemed abortions placed an undue burden on a woman’s right to terminate a pregnancy and was unconstitutional. The governor made his remarks during his weekly meeting with reporters.