State Rep. Heather Matson
Share
State Rep. from Ankeny (HD42); passionate about public policy, civic engagement & building community; running for Iowa Senate (SD21)
Three years ago, Republican legislators passed Iowa's draconian 6-week abortion ban during a one-day special session in July.
Two years ago today, that ban went into effect and the repercussions have continued to decimate Iowa's already dire access to maternal and reproductive health care services.
It's fitting to share the remarks I gave in 2023 because the ability to access care close to home, to ensure our bodies are cared for, to give birth to healthy babies, and yes, to control our own destinies is a fight that gets harder by the day.
Today, Iowans in 1/3 of our 99 counties do not have access to maternity care.
Forty-four hospitals have closed their labor & delivery units since 2000 - including the recently announced closures in Council Bluffs and Clinton.
Iowa is dead last in the country for the number of OB/GYN's per capita.
And during the 2026 legislative session, Republican legislators made it even harder for women by eliminating our long-standing access to telehealth for abortion care, effectively cutting off one of the only reproductive health care options available to Iowa women, especially in our most rural communities.
Today, my daughter, and your daughters, have fewer rights and less access to the full range of reproductive health care services, including STI testing, cancer screenings, and contraception, because of the policy decisions made under a Republican trifecta.
They have signaled they want to go farther with their restrictions.
Health care is absolutely on the ballot this year.
Vote to save it.
I-O-W-A! Let's go, Josh!
07/28/2026
today with USW Local 310 brothers and sisters as we stood together and called for a fair contract for hundreds of workers at Bridgestone. Their contract expires tonight and, like all Iowans, they deserve a good wage, benefits, and retirement security.
07/28/2026
I am deeply grateful to every supporter who has stepped up in so many ways. Your investment in our campaign is helping me connect with voters in every corner of Ankeny and I can't thank you enough! 💙
While a campaign finance report is about money, this is about more than one election. It's about building community with neighbors, bringing balance back to state government, and solving real problems for Iowans.
It's time to flip . This is one leg of the race and we can't let up now. Let's keep going, together (links in comments).
Thank you!
07/27/2026
Congratulations to the incoming Ankeny Leadership Institute class!
🎉 Welcome to the Ankeny Leadership Institute Class of 2027! 🎉
We're excited to welcome an outstanding group of emerging and established leaders to this year's Ankeny Leadership Institute!
Over the coming months, these participants will explore the people, organizations, and issues that shape our community while building meaningful connections with fellow leaders.
We can't wait to see all you'll accomplish throughout this journey!
Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce
07/27/2026
A big thank you to ALL the volunteers who came to help in every capacity with Ankeny's 100 Days Until the Election Weekend of Action! 💙 A special shout-out to my friends Senator Janet Petersen, Thomas Bullock, and Samy for Iowa who joined me on the doors!
Dang, it was HOT this weekend! 🌡️ But showing up always matters. Check out this video from me, Amy Tagliareni and Molly Buck from our time on the doors today!
We are excited to keep building connections through conversations. Please make a plan to vote on November 3!
07/27/2026
Proud to join the Defend Our Postal Service Rally in solidarity with our APWU and NALC brothers and sisters this afternoon! The US Postal Service has been a steadfast partner in the lives of all Americans since before we even became a country. We need to continue to stand up against efforts to privatize what is the quintessential public service.
Thank you postal workers and letter carriers for all you do everyday to keep us connected!
Feels like 123° today. We knocked doors anyway. 🥵
Molly Buck For Ankeny and State Rep. Heather Matson out there with me, because Iowans deserve reps who show up, heat index and all.
Vote November 3rd.
07/25/2026
That moment when you step out into the insane humidity and your glasses completely fog up (repeatedly). 😂
The conversations were absolutely worth it! Great to be with you today, Ankeny 19!
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
Category
Contact the organization
Telephone
Website
Address
Ankeny, IA