Are Unintended Pregnancies Really A Problem?

Here in Iowa, over half of all pregnancies for women ages 18-30 are unintended. You read that right -- over half. Currently, Iowa ranks 48^th in access to family planning. That means we’re leaving tens of thousands of women without birth control services. Unintended pregnancies cost millions of taxpayer dollars in health care and child welfare. They also cost thousands of young women their hopes and dreams, since these women are more likely to live in poverty and not finish high school or attend college.

What is the Solution?

Unintended pregnancies can be prevented most efficiently through fully funding access to family planning for low income women. Improving access to birth control services for all women. Encouraging the use of long acting reversible contraceptives (LARC). And increasing knowledge of and positive attitudes toward low-risk sexual behavior.

Why Should I Care?

By improving access to family planning services and birth control, we empower young women to have children only when they’re ready. That’s better for them. But it’s also better for our next generation of babies -- and for the social fabric of our state as a whole. In the process, we’ll save millions of taxpayer dollars. In fact, according to the Guttmacher Institute, in Iowa, publicly-funded planning clinic services avert 20,000 unintended pregnancies and 8,000 abortions each year, saving approximately $88 million annually in Medicaid costs.  In addition, for every $1 spent on family planning, we save $4 in social services and maternal and child health care.

What Is The Iowa Initiative?

The Iowa Initiative is a program that aims to reduce the high rate of unintended pregnancies among Iowa women ages 18-30 through networking, research and public outreach. We are traveling the state to open dialog and make this a mainstream, main street conversation.  And, by collaborating with established providers around the state, we will increase access to family planning services and information.  Headed by Iowa’s former First Lady Christie Vilsack, the Iowa Initiative will serve as a model to prevent unintended pregnancies nationwide.  

The Iowa Initiative Research Program, conducted in conjunction with the University of Northern Iowa, University of Iowa, and the University of Alabama-Birmingham, includes five studies designed to increase knowledge, persuade adult women to seek and access contraception if they wish to delay or prevent pregnancy, and improve contraceptive behaviors.
 

What Can I Do To Help?

One, talk to a young man or woman in your family about unprotected sex. Parents and grandparents are the most trusted source when young people need information.

Two, invite Christie Vilsack or someone from your local women’s healthcare service provider to speak to civic organizations in your community.

Three, tell your legislators that tens of thousands of women in Iowa are without access to birth control services and that Iowa ranks 39th in funding family planning.

Four, ask your school administrator what students are being taught in the school’s Human Growth and Development curriculum.

Five, learn more about long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC).