Iowa Legislature convenes special session to pass 6-week 'fetal heartbeat' abortion ban

Iowa lawmakers have filled the Capitol for a special legislative session where Republicans are expected to push through a bill banning nearly all abortions after six weeks of pregnancy — over the loud objections of Democrats and reproductive rights advocates. The legislation, once passed, will mark a sharp deviation from Iowa's current law, which allows abortion up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. The Iowa House and Senate gaveled in to begin the session at 8:30 a.m. They are set to take up the bill in committee Tuesday morning, and debate...