Governor hopes to expand contraceptive access after Roe v. Wade is overturned
Gov. Kim Reynolds says she is supporting easy access to birth control and family planning services.
When asked about family support programs in the state, the governor says there is much being done for Iowans.
"We've done a lot and we continue to do a lot. The MOMs act that I signed into law this year will continue to help moms and individuals with health care, education, just a support network," Reynolds said.
In addition to educating parents, the MOMs act would also provide diapers and car seats to those who find themselves facing an unplanned pregnancy.
Reynolds is also vocal about Title X which ensures low-income Iowans have access to maternal care.
However, Democrats say these programs come up short when it comes to giving expectant mothers a choice.
"I don't think that any of those decisions that are being made right now are adequate enough to truly have a long-term agenda, which is what we really need in this state," said Democratic candidate for governor, Deidre DeJear.
Back in 2017, Planned Parenthood closed the doors of four of its clinics. They said it was due to lack of funding from the state. Those locations offered a number of health care services beyond abortion.
Now, the organization says it is playing catch up when it comes to having accessible programs in place.
"The state has decimated multiple safety nets that provided reproductive health care that was affordable to thousands of Iowans, and that's gone now," said Sheena Dooley of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa, "The number of Iowans that lost access to health care was enormous."
Right now, abortions are still legal in Iowa up to 20 weeks. The only exceptions are to save the life of the mother.
