Reynolds launches attack on abortion rights – Daily High Five

Today is national "Hug Holiday " and that may be needed more than ever after the last few weeks. With the loss of fundamental rights, I think we could all use a hug from a loved one.

In the meantime, you can start gearing up for the long weekend, due to the July 4th holiday. Make sure you take some time for yourself to decompress from everything going on.

But first, check out today's top story:

1. JAN. 6 BOMBSHELL: The committee investigating the January 6 attack on our nation held a surprise hearing yesterday where we heard bombshell new testimony. A former top White House aide revealed that former President Trump knew protestors at the rally were armed and still encouraged them to go to the Capitol. She also testified that the former President wanted to join them there and when the secret service refused to take him there, knowing it wasn't safe, Trump violently lunged at him. Join us in calling on Iowa's Republican officials who've touted Trump's endorsement to formally denounce the former President's behavior by sharing our tweet here or one of your own below.

Click to Tweet: Trump wanted to join the criminals who hurt Capitol officers and aimed to assassinate representatives. @IAGovernor, @ChuckGrassley, @RepAshleyHinson, & @RepFeenstra need to speak up & reject his endorsement now, or else they're turning their backs on our democracy. #Iowa

And take a look at the other news we're watching today:

2. REYNOLDS' ATTACK ON ABORTION: We knew it was coming. Gov. Reynolds has launched her latest attack on abortion rights in Iowa in response to the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. She's asking Iowa courts to reinstate Iowa's ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy and she's asking the Iowa Supreme Court to re-decide the case in which the state's proposed 24-hour waiting period for an abortion was argued. If these changes take effect, Iowa will have one of the most restrictive laws on abortion in the country. But for now, don't forget, abortion is still safe and legal in our state.

3. DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES: Health experts are weighing in on the impacts of overturning Roe. Many abortion providers will soon be leaving states that have banned or are expected to swiftly ban abortion, leaving patients without access to birth control, prenatal care or providers to perform emergency abortion services in life-threatening circumstances. It's clear that this ruling is going to cause unnecessary harm around the country.

4. ASSAULT VICTIM IMPACT: Advocates say the decision will also put victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault in danger. Pregnancy already increases the risk of abuse in relationships and homicide is the number one cause of death for pregnant women in the U.S. Now, advocates say abusers may turn to reproductive coercion to maintain control of their victims. If you or someone you know needs help in an abusive relationship, call 1-800-770-1650 or text IOWAHELP to 20121.

5. BAD BILLS TAKING EFFECT: This Friday marks the start of the next fiscal year, meaning several new laws will go into effect here in Iowa. From gutting unemployment benefits to loosening regulations for childcare providers to banning transgender children from playing sports, most of the bills passed by Gov. Reynolds and the Republican-led legislature this year will cause much more harm than good.

Want to hear more from our team? You can go to our online news blog, Potluck, to hear from Iowans and leaders around the state.

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Thanks for reading, and we'll get back with you tomorrow for another High Five!

- The Progress Iowa Team

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