Gov. Reynolds signs 'fetal heartbeat' bill into law

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Friday afternoon signed into law Iowa's new ban on most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy.She did so at the Family Leadership Summit, where about 2,000 conservative Christians gathered to hear from a half-dozen presidential candidates. As Reynolds signed the legislation, the legality of the abortion restrictions was being debated in a Polk County courtroom.The legal challenge that spurred Friday's hearing was filed Wednesday morning by the ACLU of Iowa, Planned Parenthood North Central States and the Emma Goldman Clinic. The organizations are asking the judge to postpone the implementation of the law.The judge said he will try to have a ruling by the end of Monday, July 17.Video above: What are the exemptions to Iowa's new abortion bill?According to the text of the legislation, the law prohibits almost all abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected. Cardiac activity is usually detected around six weeks of pregnancy and before many women know they are pregnant. The bill passed with exclusively Republican support late on Tuesday at the conclusion of a rare, 14-hour special legislative session.Recent abortion coverageIowa Legislature passes abortion restrictions, bill goes to governor's desk'Fetal heartbeat' bill: How each Iowa lawmaker voted in special sessionWhat are the exemptions to Iowa's new abortion bill?Lawsuit filed to block enforcement of Iowa's new abortion restrictions'Overjoyed': Women against abortion react to 'fetal heartbeat' bill, share personal stories‘It feels like a hostile attack’: Iowa doctor expresses concern over new abortion restrictionsInformation from the Associated Press was used in this article.