A new initiative launched by the Family Planning Council of Iowa (FPCI) aims to bring Iowans affordable health care by providing free reproductive health kits for those in need.
The initiative comes one year after Roe v. Wade was overturned by the US Supreme Court, which took away the federal right to access abortion for Americans.
Any Iowan is welcome to request a free reproductive health kit regardless of their background or circumstance, according to the release. The kit includes two doses of emergency contraception (EC or the morning-after pill), condoms, lube, and an educational booklet.
“This program aims to provide basic reproductive health supplies and resources to individuals across Iowa, ensuring access to vital information and empowering Iowans to make informed decisions about their reproductive well-being,” stated the FPCI press release.
The FPCI is a nonprofit organization that receives Title X funding, the only federal program that solely provides comprehensive family planning and related preventive health services for low-income Americans. The program is meant to be a no-hassle, no-questions-asked initiative, working to fight socioeconomic and geographical challenges Iowans may face.
“Through the Free Reproductive Health Kits, we aim to empower Iowans with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health,” the release stated. “By providing these kits free of charge, we hope to eliminate financial barriers and promote a healthier, more empowered population.”
The FPCI works to use Title X funding to increase access to reproductive healthcare and education, said Allison Smith, interim executive director at the FPCI.
“For now, abortion is legal for up to 20 weeks, but that always feels likely to change in this state,” Smith said.
In light of uncertain times, Smith encourages Iowans to take a free kit to keep in their medicine cabinet in case of emergency.
“Escalating attacks on sexual and reproductive healthcare have been diminishing Iowans’ autonomy, but this program aspires to foster a healthier and more informed society by eliminating financial and geographic barriers to reproductive health products and information,” the press release stated.
Smith added the organization hopes to continue the program as long as possible, but it requires additional funding for more supplies. Just a $5 dollar donation could ship one kit anywhere in the state, she said.
“We know there is a great need for reproductive health care access across the state, which is why we’re committed to increasing access to this project,” she said. “We just want people to have all the tools to take back their power and have autonomy over their own decisions.”
Where can I get my free reproductive health kit?
Reproductive health kits are offered at over 10 clinics across the state of Iowa. Any resident of Iowa can stop by a clinic to receive a kit, or they can complete a form to have a kit mailed to their residence.
Although only Iowans are eligible for this program, people in need outside of the state are encouraged to use the Title X program finder to find resources closer to home:
Western Iowa clinics
- Siouxland Community Health Center in Sioux City
- Sioux City Planned Parenthood
- Council Bluffs Planned Parenthood
Central Iowa clinics
Eastern Iowa clinics
- Iowa City Planned Parenthood
- Community Health Care – Edgerton Clinic in Davenport
- Crescent Community Health Center in Dubuque
- Great River Family Planning of Southeast Iowa in Burlington
- Trinity Muscatine Public Health in Muscatine
- Women’s Health & Family Services in Clinton and Maquoketa
by Grace Katzer
6/29/23
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