07/01/2026
July 1 Brings Enactment of Four Major Health Freedom Wins for Iowa
Beginning July 1, four important pieces of legislation passed during the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session officially take effect. These new laws strengthen parental rights, protect medical professionals, restore individual freedoms, and continue moving Iowa toward a healthier future.
Here’s what you need to know.
Emergency Powers Reform (HF2694)
One of the biggest victories this session is the Emergency Powers Reform bill.
HF2694 places new limits on a governor’s emergency authority, helping ensure that Iowans are not subjected to many of the sweeping restrictions we experienced during COVID-19. The law protects against future executive overreach by limiting the governor’s authority to regulate certain places and activities during an emergency.
While this bill does not address every emergency power we hope to reform, it is an important step toward restoring the balance between emergency response and individual liberty.
MAHA Bill (HF2676)
The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) bill includes several health-related reforms, but one provision many Iowans have been asking about involves ivermectin.
Beginning July 1, Iowans will be able to obtain ivermectin directly from a pharmacist without first obtaining a prescription from a physician, expanding access to the medication. However, unlike over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, ivermectin is not being moved to the over-the-counter shelves. It remains a pharmacist-dispensed medication, meaning you will still need to request it from the pharmacy, and pharmacists may exercise their professional judgment regarding whether to dispense it.
HF2676 also contains additional provisions aimed at improving nutrition, education, and other public health initiatives.
Medical Provider Rights of Conscience (HF571)
Starting July 1, Iowa healthcare professionals receive stronger protections for their rights of conscience.
HF571 protects healthcare providers from discrimination or retaliation when they decline to participate in certain healthcare services that conflict with their sincerely held ethical, moral, or religious beliefs.
This law helps ensure that physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other licensed healthcare professionals can practice medicine without being forced to violate their deeply held convictions.
Parents Regain Authority Over HPV Vaccination Decisions (SF304)
Beginning July 1, minors in Iowa may no longer independently consent to receive the HPV vaccine.
Under SF304, parental consent is now required before a minor can receive the HPV vaccine, restoring parents’ role in making important medical decisions for their children.
This law reinforces the principle that parents, not government or healthcare providers, should guide significant healthcare decisions involving their minor children.
Thank You
These victories would not have been possible without the legislators who championed these bills and the countless Iowans who emailed, called, testified, attended subcommittees, and showed up throughout the legislative session.
Your voices truly made a difference.
While we celebrate these important wins, our work isn’t finished. Informed Choice Iowa remains committed to advancing informed consent, protecting parental rights, and defending medical freedom across our state.
Thank you for standing with us.
