maternal health

A bill that would make several changes to public assistance programs advanced through an Iowa House subcommittee Wednesday over the objections of people who said it would result in more babies going hungry.

A bill that aims to crack down on out-of-state providers who mail abortion pills to Iowans was advanced Monday by Republicans on a Senate panel. Opponents said the bill would cause problems for in-state doctors while having little effect on mail-order pills.

Over 60,000 Iowans participate in WIC, which provides food assistance, nutrition education and counseling to new and expecting mothers and children under 5. The state has indicated it will maintain services, but long-term funding is uncertain.

83 million Americans live in areas without adequate access to primary care physicians, according to the American Medical Association. Iowa ranks 44th in physicians per capita.

Iowa has one of the lowest rates of OB-GYNs in the country, and some are concerned Iowa's abortion restrictions may be driving some doctors away.

This week marks one year since a state law went into effect banning abortion when cardiac activity is detected, with some exceptions. The law has had drastic effects on abortion care in the state.

Trump administration rescinded Biden-era guidance on emergency abortions, sowing confusion in states with abortion restrictions and bans.

Experts say the moderate gains in maternal mental health could be impacted by proposed cuts to Medicaid at the federal level.

Planned Parenthood North Central States announced it plans to close four clinics in Iowa, leaving the state with just two clinics in Ames and Iowa City.

The Family Planning Council of Iowa says it has only received half its expected Title X funding, which could affect thousands of low-income Iowans who rely on its services.