Iowa Code § 600B.21: Death, absence or mental illness of mother — testimony receivable.

If after the complaint the mother dies or becomes mentally ill or cannot be found within the jurisdiction, the proceeding does not abate, but the child shall be substituted as complainant. The testimony of the mother taken by deposition as in other civil cases, may in any such case be read as evidence and in all cases shall be read as evidence if demanded by the defendant.