Senate Committee to Vote on Free Birth Control for Low-Income Iowans

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Feb 4, 2010 at 12:31 PM CST

Story Updated: Feb 4, 2010 at 12:32 PM CST

DES MOINES - Free birth control could be coming to thousands of men and women in Iowa.

A state senate committee will vote on a bill encompassing that issue on Thursday.

The bill would essentially provide free birth control to low-income men and women who are under the age of 55. This would expand a program that already exists in Iowa.

Advocates say every $1 spent on pregnancy prevention ultimately saves the state $4. That's because babies and children require a lot of resources.

But opponents think the state should spend more money on abstinence education instead.

"Abstinence education is one-hundred percent proven. There are no fall backs. You don't have any problems. No sexually transmitted diseases. No unplanned pregnancies," said Sue Martinek, Coalition for Life of Iowa.

"All of the credible evidence shows there needs to be a comprehensive approach to sex education," said Jenifer Vick, Planned Parenthood.

Federal funds would cover ninety percent of the cost of contraception. State dollars would pay for the other ten percent.

Should birth control be free to low income men and women in Iowa?(polling)

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