The R Street Institute announced on April 2 its support for two new bills introduced by Representative Ashley Hinson, a Republican from Iowa, that aim to improve access to contraception. The legislative package seeks to expand options for women, especially those living in rural areas with limited healthcare resources.
The institute said the issue is important because many women face barriers to obtaining safe and effective birth control due to location or regulatory hurdles. The organization’s Project for Thriving Families has long advocated for policies that reduce these obstacles.
According to the statement, the Access to LARCs Act would help address what it calls the “zip code barrier” by directing a study into gaps at Community Health Centers and focusing on long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). “Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are vital for family planning, yet nearly 40 percent of women in rural areas lack access to a health center offering a full range of methods,” the statement said. It also noted that every dollar spent on contraceptive services could save about six dollars in public spending by preventing unintended pregnancies.
The second bill, Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act, aims to make oral contraceptives available over-the-counter. The institute said this change would be particularly helpful in so-called “OB-GYN deserts,” where access is often blocked more by bureaucracy than medical necessity. “Moving toward an over-the-counter model for regular oral contraceptives provides a vital lifeline for women in medically underserved areas who may struggle to reach a physician,” according to the statement.
Anthony Lamorena, Senior Manager of Federal Affairs at R Street Institute, concluded: “We are pleased to support Rep. Hinson’s continued leadership on this important legislation and encourage more members of Congress to join these efforts.”
