Iowa’s public libraries face uncertainty as Republican lawmakers propose measures that could reshape their operations. Some bills managed to progress through legislative hurdles, others did not, but the persistent risk remains a pressing concern for library advocates.

In recent years, Iowa’s reproductive healthcare landscape has shifted, largely due to legislative moves that curtailed abortion access. Now, with the 2026 legislative session on the horizon, lawmakers and advocates are turning their attention to medication abortions, specifically the abortion pill.