Cedar Rapids Today

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson and Senator Joni Ernst have taken steps to address the availability of contraception in rural areas, focusing on ensuring access to safe and effective birth control for Iowa families. Their efforts come after a 2017 study showed that only 24 percent of Community Health Centers provide a comprehensive list of contraception options on-site.

The lawmakers are particularly interested in the services offered by Federally Qualified Health Centers, which play a crucial role in rural communities. Congresswoman Hinson emphasized the importance of accessible birth control for women's health and family planning, stating: “Ensuring women, regardless of zip code, have access to safe birth control options is vital for women's health and family planning. Unfortunately, women in rural and underserved areas often have fewer contraception options."

Senator Ernst highlighted the need to identify barriers faced by these communities: “Families deserve access to safe and effective birth control when they visit their health care provider, regardless of where they live. To ensure rural areas are not overlooked, I’m working to identify the barriers that leave communities with fewer contraception options."

In their letter to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, Hinson and Ernst requested detailed information on available contraceptive methods, counseling appointment requests, federal fund expenditures for contraception reimbursement, financial resources provided by facilities, and any additional geographic barriers.

Hinson has previously introduced legislation aimed at improving women's healthcare access. Her proposals include enabling over-the-counter access to FDA-approved birth control pills for women aged 18 and up through the Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act. She also introduced the Access to LARCs Act which directs a study on long-acting reversible contraception at community health centers in healthcare deserts.