What is Equal Protection in Iowa?
Understanding Equal Protection: A Guide for Iowans
"Equal protection" is a cornerstone principle of both the U.S. Constitution and the Iowa Constitution. It affirms that every human being is entitled to the same legal protections under the law, irrespective of race, gender, age, or any other characteristic. This principle reflects a commitment to the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals and the duty of just laws to safeguard those rights without bias.
The Foundation of Equal Protection
The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution declares that no state shall "deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." This clause was designed to address historical injustices, such as slavery and segregation, ensuring that all individuals are included in the law’s protections. Similarly, the Iowa Constitution’s Bill of Rights emphasizes
“All men[humans] are, by nature, free and equal, and have certain inalienable rights - among which are those of enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining safety and happiness.” (https://publications.iowa.gov/135/1/history/7-7.html)
However, history has shown that these principles are not always applied consistently. Marginalized groups have often had to fight for their rights to be acknowledged and protected. Today, this struggle extends to the unborn, where preborn children—among the most vulnerable members of society—are denied the equal protection promised by these constitutional guarantees.
The Unequal Application of Justice in Iowa
In Iowa, abortion laws highlight an unsettling disparity in the application of justice. While the law permits the intentional termination of a preborn child’s life, it simultaneously criminalizes harm to children who are already born. This inconsistency underscores a failure to apply the principle of equal protection equally to all human beings.
Why Equal Protection Matters
Equal protection is not merely a legal concept; it is a moral imperative. Denying equal protection to any group undermines the foundation of justice. When one group—such as preborn children—is excluded from legal protections, it creates a precedent that endangers the rights of others. Justice requires consistency, and the erosion of equal protection anywhere threatens fairness everywhere.
Furthermore, equal protection is essential to fostering a society that values every human life. Laws that treat preborn children as less than human diminish the moral fabric of communities and send the message that a person’s worth is conditional, based on arbitrary factors like age, location, or stage of development.
Steps Toward Equal Protection in Iowa
To achieve true equal protection in Iowa, we must address the legal inconsistencies that deny preborn children their right to life. This includes advocating for laws that recognize preborn children as human beings entitled to the same protections as anyone else. It also involves challenging cultural attitudes and misinformation that have dehumanized preborn children and normalized abortion.
Grassroots efforts are vital in this endeavor. Educating communities about the humanity of preborn children through tools like ultrasounds and fetal development studies can help change perceptions. Advances in science and technology provide undeniable evidence of life in the womb, paving the way for a cultural shift toward valuing all human life.
Another essential step is holding elected officials accountable. Iowa’s leaders must be encouraged to enact laws that uphold the principle of equal protection and to resist measures that perpetuate injustice.
A Call to Action for Iowa’s Citizens
The fight for equal protection is not solely a legal battle; it is a cultural and moral one. Iowans have an opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating that our state values every human life equally. Through prayer, community outreach, and political advocacy, every individual can contribute to this cause.
We must remain steadfast in our belief that every life is precious and deserving of protection. The preborn cannot speak for themselves, so it is our responsibility to be their voice. Together, we can work to make Iowa a state where equal protection under the law becomes not just an ideal but a reality for all.