February 22, 2024

Addressing the Causes of Unintended Pregnancy

In 2022, 13,117 babies were born in Iowa. Even a blessing like a baby, especially if unintended, can come with complications. Unfamiliar challenges like unintended pregnancy can be even more difficult to navigate if you don’t live near family, speak English fluently or have the financial resources to pay for services.

What is unintended pregnancy?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 20.4% of pregnancies in Iowa in 2020 (the most recent year available) were unintended. The CDC defines unintended pregnancy as “a pregnancy that is either unwanted, such as the pregnancy occurred when no children or no more children were desired. Or the pregnancy is mistimed, such as the pregnancy occurred earlier than desired.”

According to unplannedpregnancy.com, the most common causes of unintended pregnancies include a lack of knowledge about sex and pregnancy, a failure to use contraception, or the use of a contraceptive that failed. When used correctly, standard contraception is 90 to 99% effective.

Offering options in Central Iowa
For eligible individuals, EveryStep’s Title X Family Planning program offers a variety of free or low-cost family planning services, including birth control options, health education and resources, wellness tests and screenings, as well as preventative health services like STI screenings and HPV vaccination. While abortion services are not offered, all options counseling can be discussed if desired.

If you are eligible to enroll in Medicaid or the Iowa HHS’ (Iowa Health and Human Services) Family Planning Program, most services offered by EveryStep’s Title X Family Planning program will be 100% covered. All provided services are kept confidential.

To ensure family planning resources are accessible to all who need them, EveryStep brings its family planning services, education, testing and counseling to you in the comfort of your home or location of choice – when it’s convenient for you. So, for most services, you don’t have to worry about the time and expense of arranging transportation. Plus, EveryStep’s local staff interpreters are available upon request, and at no cost, to ensure language is not a barrier and clients can get answers to their questions and concerns.

EveryStep’s Title X Family Planning program is made available through Iowa Health and Human Services. To learn about eligibility and receive services, call 515-558-9946 or visit EveryStep Title X Family Planning Program.

EveryStep shows up when people need us most — no matter who they are or what circumstances they face. Offering a comprehensive slate of health care and human services, EveryStep helps individuals and families build the foundation for a healthier future.

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