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.