The Iowa Supreme Court on Friday filed a ruling in favor of the state’s heartbeat abortion ban.

The 4-3 decision reversed a lower court’s temporary injunction that blocked the law’s enforcement.

In 2023, Iowa legislators in a special session passed a law banning abortion if the unborn baby’s heartbeat is detectable, as well as requiring physicians to perform an ultrasound to determine fetal heartbeat prior to performing an abortion. The law has exceptions for rape, incest or to save the mother’s life, and allows treatment for incomplete miscarriages.

Planned Parenthood, along with other abortion proponents, challenged the law in court—and the Iowa District Court for Polk County issued a temporary injunction, blocking the law’s enforcement. The Supreme Court ruling allows the law to be enforced while the case continues in district court.

“States have the strongest possible interest in protecting the most fundamental of our human rights: the right to life,” said Chris Schandevel, senior counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom. “So we’re thrilled to join the people of Iowa in celebrating today’s decision by Iowa’s highest court. … Iowa women deserve the dignity and respect that comes from receiving life-affirming health care—not the abortion industry’s false choice between doing what’s best for women and protecting the lives of their unborn children.”

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said when she signed the bill in 2023, “Even with the fetal heartbeat bill, the fight continues for a robust culture of life that welcomes children, supports mothers, and involves fathers. As a pro-life governor, I will continue to promote policies designed to surround every person involved in a pregnancy with protection, love, and support.

“Everyone understands that a heartbeat signifies life. And we understand that when it falls silent, something precious has been lost.”