Hinson Introduces Bill to Improve Birth Control Access in Rural Iowa

Image September 23, 2026 Press Release New legislation builds on Hinson’s efforts to expand over-the-counter birth control options at local pharmacies for adult women and address barriers to accessing long-lasting birth control in rural areas Washington, D.C . – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) is continuing her work to expand access to safe and effective birth control for adult women. Today she introduced the LARC Access Expansion Act alongside Representatives Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) and Stephanie Bice (OK-05). This bill would help women in rural and underserved communities access long-lasting birth control options like arm implants or IUDs closer to home. Hinson announced the new legislation during a roundtable at Crescent Community Health Center in Dubuque while meeting with the Iowa Primary Care Association and Iowa community health center leaders. “Iowa adult women should have access to safe birth control options regardless of their zipcode. Ensuring safe birth control options are available over the counter at local pharmacies for adult women is common sense. So is ensuring women can access long-lasting birth control options like arm implants or IUDs safely and conveniently at a community health center. I will keep working to ensure Iowa women can access safe birth control.” – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson "For many patients in rural communities, access to care often comes down to what’s available the same day, in the same place. This legislation supports community health centers with the training, resources, and infrastructure needed to expand access to long-acting reversible contraception. We’re grateful to Representative Hinson for advancing practical solutions that meet patients where they are.” – Aaron Todd, Chief Executive Officer, Iowa Primary Care Association Earlier this year, Hinson introduced two bills focused on expanding access to FDA-approved, over-the-counter birth control at local pharmacies and identifying barriers that prevent women from accessing long-lasting options like IUDs and arm implants. The LARC Access Expansion Act builds on those efforts by giving eligible community health centers the grants needed to provide more of these options directly to patients. Additional background on this effort: Community health centers that do not receive Title X funding may lack trained providers or the inventory necessary to offer long-lasting options like IUDs and arm implants onsite, forcing patients to schedule additional appointments and travel elsewhere for care. Specifically, the Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) Access Expansion Act would: Provide grants to eligible community health centers in rural and underserved areas to train at least two full-time providers to provide LARCs. Help health centers procure and maintain an inventory of LARCs so patients can access these options the same day instead of being referred elsewhere or forced to make another trip. Prioritize health centers serving medically underserved populations, areas with high rates of maternal or infant mortality, and healthcare deserts. Establish a telehealth demonstration grant to help women who live far from a provider discuss their options and connect with a physician who can provide the care that works best for them. Read the full text of the bill here . ###