U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA) recently sponsored legislation that would direct the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study on contraceptive access at community health centers (CHCs) in America’s rural healthcare deserts.
“Ensuring women, regardless of zip code, have access to safe birth control options is vital for women’s health and family planning,” Rep. Hinson said on Oct. 10. “This legislation will help expand access to safe birth control options for adult women in rural or underserved areas who rely on Community Health Centers for care.”
According to information provided by her staff, clinics that receive Title X funding offer women the full range of pregnancy preventing contraception, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs), onsite at much higher rates than community clinics and CHCs that do not receive Title X funding.
This inequality in access to the most effective FDA-approved pregnancy contraception leaves many who live in healthcare deserts unable to receive long-acting birth control such as IUDs or arm implants, the information says.
Rep. Hinson on Sept. 27 introduced the Access to LARCs Act, H.R. 9866, which would require the study be completed and submitted to Congress.
“I’ve listened to women across Iowa, and will continue proposing common-sense solutions to improve women’s healthcare access,” said Rep. Hinson.
H.R. 9866 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.