When people hear the words reproductive healthcare, many immediately think of pregnancy or abortion. But that’s just one part of a much bigger picture. Reproductive care is lifelong healthcare, touching nearly every stage of a person’s life—whether or not they ever plan to have children.

Across Iowa, expectant mothers are traveling farther, facing longer wait times, or going without care altogether. Why? Because access to reproductive healthcare—especially maternity care—is vanishing. Hospitals are closing. Clinics are shutting down. And it’s rural Iowans who are paying the price.

In 2024, following the implementation of Iowa’s six-week abortion ban, there was a substantial rise in the number of Iowans seeking abortion services out of state. Data from regional abortion access funds indicate that 625 Iowans received financial and logistical support to obtain abortions elsewhere, a significant increase from 194 in 2023.

Funnel Week—the deadline for bills to clear initial committee approval—has wrapped up at the Iowa State Capitol. Several key pieces of legislation are advancing, some of which could significantly impact reproductive healthcare, public health, and education across the state.

Iowa lawmakers are considering HSB 186 and HF 423, which propose stricter regulations on medication abortion, including new consent requirements and felony charges for providers—stay tuned for updates on how these bills could impact reproductive healthcare.

Iowa lawmakers are proposing to include the “Meet Baby Olivia” video in public school curricula produced by an anti-abortion group.

A critical resource for reproductive health information, reproductiverights.gov, is no longer accessible.

Sexual health is an important—but often overlooked—part of our overall well-being. It’s about more than just preventing disease. It’s about having access to the knowledge, care, and support you need to make informed choices about your body, relationships, and future.