March 29, 2024

More choices for more women

As the 2016 Iowa Legislative session is winding down, the finishing touches are being applied to the various budget bills that need to be passed before we adjourn for the year. Fortunately, the House and Senate were able to reach early agreement on certain budgets (Administration & Regulation, Agriculture & Natural Resources, and Judicial) sending them on to the governor.

Certain other appropriations bills are destined for conference committee in order to hammer out a compromise that is agreeable for both chambers. One such bill is the Health & Human Services Appropriations (HF 2460).

In addition to being one of the larger budget bills that we will consider this year ($1.836 billion), the House version of the HHS budget bill also provides an opportunity to expand women’s healthcare services for low-income women.

Under Iowa’s current family planning program, only 13 clinics (located exclusively in urban communities) are eligible to provide services for qualifying women. Under the House proposal, that number would significantly increase to 213 federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) throughout the state.

Not only would there be more locations for women, but the amount of comprehensive services provided would also increase. These additional services include things like: emergency first responder care; mammograms; immunizations; diabetes and glaucoma screenings; cholesterol screenings; pediatric eye, ear, and dental screenings; well-child services; radiological services; cardiovascular blood tests; bone mass measurement; in addition to having a nurse on staff.

These 213 FQHCs not only offer many of the same reproductive services as the current 13 clinics, but also include many more services that the 13 clinics are not licensed to do.

So why did the Senate majority reject HF 2460 on Friday? They refused to redirect Iowa’s family planning dollars from 13 Planned Parenthood clinics to 213 Federally Qualified Health Centers. It is unfortunate … these FQHCs come without the controversy and scandal often associated with Planned Parenthood, such as covering up the sexual abuse of minors, committing fraud with taxpayer money and profiting from the sale of aborted baby body parts.

Many Americans were outraged when undercover videos revealed Planned Parenthood’s deceptive scheme to illegally sell baby body parts. Despite Planned Parenthood’s repeated denial of wrongdoing, last week a Congressional committee panel released a documented report confirming that Planned Parenthood had, in fact, profited from the sale of aborted baby body parts in violation of federal law.

Additionally, most Iowans do not realize their local affiliate, Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, is currently in the middle of a $5.5 billion Medicaid fraud lawsuit. The charges stem from allegations made by a former Planned Parenthood clinic director, Sue Thayer, who witnessed the malfeasance firsthand and blew the whistle.

Earlier this month, the Nebraska State Auditor reported that the same regional Planned Parenthood affiliate which operates in Iowa, had been caught illegally using taxpayer money on abortions in their state.

Planned Parenthood, nationally and locally, have proven that they are not trustworthy with taxpayer money. This is unacceptable as Iowans expect their tax dollars to be used appropriately.

HF 2460, as passed by the House, addresses accountability while providing more coverage in more locations for more women. Why would anyone be opposed to that?

Until next time, God bless.

Contact Rep. Greg Heartsill at 641-218-0185 or greg.heartsill@legis.iowa.gov