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Labor and Delivery doctor Taylor Swartz talks with a pregnant patient and her husband at Mahaska Health Hospital in Iowa. (Tony Leys/KFF Health News)

Shrinking rural Iowa loses maternity units

By Tony Leys for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service Collabora…

It's estimated that one in three victims of human trafficking globally is a child, according to the United Nations. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa enlists businesses to thwart human trafficking

Iowa has enlisted the help of businesses across the state to take on human trafficking. Tomorrow marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons…

Iowa women call Social Security 'critical'

New research released by AARP Iowa shows how important Social Security benefits are to people who receive them - and the numbers reveal women are far …

In 1975, the average rate of five-year breast cancer survival was 75.2%. In 2005, it was 90.5%. Scientists and doctors credit aggressive research and a better understanding of the disease. (Adobe Stock)

IA women behind on mammograms, despite deadly breast cancer rate

Results of a new study show more American women are falling behind on getting critical breast cancer scans. Nowhere is this perhaps more important …

Planned Parenthood employees and the union representing them have been unable to reach a contract agreement despite dozens of bargaining sessions over more than a year. (Adobe Stock)

Planned Parenthood workers file complaint amid stalled negotiations

Planned Parenthood Workers in Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota have filed an Unfair Labor Practices complaint with the National Labor Relations Board as …

If you are a victim of human trafficking or suspect you know someone who is, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline, a national 24-hour, toll-free, multilingual resource: 1-888-373-7888. (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)

IA Marks World Anti-Trafficking Day: Hotline Reports up 61%

Sunday is World Day Against Trafficking in Humans, and in Iowa state officials are calling on residents to do more to help. Reports of trafficking …

States that have implemented abortion bans saw a drop in the number of abortions, from an estimated 7,500 in Apr. 2022 to fewer than 10 abortions per month after Aug. 2022, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

ACLU of Iowa Critical of Reynolds' Special Session on Abortion

Gov. Kim Reynolds has called the Iowa Legislature back to Des Moines for a special session tomorrow to focus solely on abortion policy. The Iowa …

Each year in the United States, RSV causes between 6,000 and 10,000 deaths among adults 65 years and older, and between 100 and 300 deaths in children younger than age 5, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

IA Doctors Behind New RSV Vaccines

For most people, Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV is a mild respiratory infection, but for at-risk infants and seniors, it can be much more …

Currently, 61% of Americans say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 37% say it should be illegal in all or most cases, according to the Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)

ACLU Vows to Block Abortion Restrictions; Reynolds: 'Fight not Over'

Civil liberties advocates in Iowa are vowing to fend off any new legislation to restrict abortion in the state. The Iowa Supreme Court recently …

Officials encourage victims to report sexual and domestic abuse to a national hotline, 800-799-7233. It provides 24/7 service in English, Spanish and 200 other languages through interpreters. (Adobe Stock)

IA Looks to Shelter Victims, Survivors of Sexual Assault

Iowa groups have spent the past month focused on finding shelter and support for victims of sexual assault, to help them stay anonymous and safe…

There are more than 7,004 certified nurse midwives currently employed in the United States, according to Zippia. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Midwife Law a Step Closer

The Iowa House has passed a measure to establish a licensing board for midwives. Iowa is one of 15 states currently without such a program, often …

The gold dome on the Iowa Capitol has been gilded five times. The gold leaf covering the dome is 250,000th of an inch thick and is 23.75 karats. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa’s Governor Part of Historic Trend

2022 was a banner year for women elected as governor. Nearly one-third of America's governors will be women next year, which is a record. Iowa …

Research at the national level has shown that nearly 70% of women describe at least one physical problem in the first year of the postpartum period. (Adobe Stock)

Health Coverage Extension Seen as Reducing Risks for New Moms in IA

As maternal death rates go up, states are considering whether to extend postpartum coverage through Medicaid. Supporters in Iowa hope lawmakers take …

Iowa consistently ranks low among all states for its gender pay gap, and almost 34% of female-headed households in the state live in poverty. (Adobe Stock)

Crisis Amplifies Concerns About Retirement Gap for Women

DES MOINES, Iowa - The pandemic has disrupted plans for a secure financial retirement for many Americans, and financial experts say women face a more …

Although recent anti-abortion laws in Iowa have been struck down by the courts, legal observers note that four conservative-leaning justices have been added to the state Supreme Court since 2018. (Adobe Stock)

Abortion Debate in Iowa Shows No Sign of Ending Soon

DES MOINES, Iowa - The issue of whether to restrict abortions has flared up again in Iowa. This week, a judge temporarily blocked enforcement of …

Iowa is among several states where a debate over whether abortions should still be allowed during the pandemic has surfaced. (Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit Filed Against IA Leaders Over Halt to Abortions During Crisis

DES MOINES, Iowa -- A lawsuit has been filed against Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds over the suspension of abortion procedures during the pandemic. Pro-…

After the Iowa Supreme Court ruled in favor of pro-choice advocates in 2018, anti-abortion lawmakers are hoping to amend the Iowa Constitution. (Adobe Stock)

Opponents of Iowa Anti-Abortion Bills Fight to Keep Rights

DES MOINES, Iowa -- GOP leaders in Iowa hope to send a constitutional amendment to voters stating that a woman's right to an abortion is not …

Pro-choice advocates are expected to rally at state capitols and courthouses in all 50 states today in response to Alabama's almost total ban on abortion passed last week. (aclu-ia.org)

Iowa Cities Join "Stop the Bans" Protest Over Extreme Abortion Laws

DES MOINES, Iowa — Rallies will be held in six Iowa cities today following the near-total ban on abortions signed into law in Alabama last week …

Iowa's Ebonie Bailey used Waterloo's MercyOne Medical Center for the birth of her child and post-delivery contraception before the Catholic-affiliated hospital announced a crackdown on reproductive health care services based on Roman Catholic directives. (Courtesy: Ebonie Bailey)

A Catholic Hospital in Iowa Offered Contraception for Decades. Then the Bishop Found Out.

WATERLOO, Iowa – A Catholic hospital in Iowa that offered contraception for decades has halted those services after Dubuque Archbishop Michael …

Experts say risk assessment, weight loss, and regular exercise are the three things women can do to reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke. (MabelAmber/Pixabay)

Iowans Raise Awareness of Women's Heart Health on 'Wear Red Friday'

DES MOINES, Iowa – Red will be the color of choice for employees at the YMCA of Greater Des Moines today, as American Heart Month kicks off …

Common signs of thyroid disorder include rapid heartbeat, anxiety, trouble sleeping and difficulty with memory and focus. (hopkinsmedicine.org)

Keeping Ahead of Thyroid Disorder

DES MOINES, Iowa – A popular thyroid medication is the second most filled drug at American pharmacies, according to GoodRx, and women are more …

Iowa women volunteer at significantly higher rates than men, but don't equal their numbers on county boards and commissions. (sjreia.org)

Gender Balance Stalls on Iowa Boards, Commissions

DES MOINES, Iowa – Despite a 2012 Iowa law requiring gender balance on county and city boards, the ratio of men to women serving in those …

A lawsuit has been filed to stop Iowa's newest anti-abortion law from taking effect on July 1. (plannedparenthoodaction.org)

Groups File Lawsuit to Stop Iowa's New Abortion Law

DES MOINES, Iowa – Calling the Iowa "fetal heartbeat" abortion law "beyond extreme," three groups filed suit on Tuesday to stop its …

Iowa family planning advocates say legislation passed to restrict abortion is turning the state into a

Lengthy Court Challenge Expected Over Iowa's Abortion Bill

DES MOINES, Iowa – A legal challenge is expected ahead of July 1, when Iowa is set to enforce the most restrictive abortion law in the nation…

Iowa Republicans admit they hope the U.S. Supreme Court will be forced to take up a bill they passed Wednesday making the state's abortion law the most restrictive in the country. (itrl.idr.iowa.gov)

Iowa Republicans Pass Most Restrictive Abortion Bill in the Land

DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa is a signature away from the most restrictive abortion law in the nation. Republican lawmakers, who control the Iowa …

Democratic women running in this year's midterm elections have been galvanized since the nationwide Women's March, one day after the inauguration of President Donald Trump. (iowapublicradio.org)

More Iowa Women "Emerge" to Enter Political Arena

DES MOINES, Iowa - Women make up 51 percent of the United States' population, but slightly more than 19 percent of Congress. With a record number of …

A new study shows children think scientists are both men and women until they start first grade, and begin to associate science with males. (Pixabay)

Children's Perceptions of Who Can Be a Scientist Are Changing

DES MOINES, Iowa – Think of a scientist: if you were asked to draw that scientist in the 1960s, you almost certainly drew a male - but a new …

Recidivism is down substantially at Iowa correctional facilities where DMACC offers educational and vocational training. (DariuszSankowski/Pixabay)

Educational Programs Help Reduce Recidivism in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa – Getting on the right track can be challenging for people leaving the prison system, and some Iowa programs are giving them a …

CHIP and Medicaid cover newborns, foster youth and children with disabilities. (yc0407206360/Pixabay)

CHIP Funding Remains in Doubt Despite House Vote

DES MOINES, Iowa – The House on Friday approved a bill to refinance the Children's Health Insurance Program, but the funding still is in doubt…

Iowa Sens. Chuck Grassley and Jodi Ernst both say they are reviewing their party's health plan, which could be voted on this week. (Pixabay)

Critics say GOP Health-Care Bill Threatens Women's Health Services

DES MOINES, Iowa – After weeks of closed-door meetings, Senate Republicans released their legislation last week to repeal Obamacare. GOP …

Nationally, women are paid on average 20 percent less than men. (Pixabay)

"You Can't Negotiate Your Way around Discrimination"

DES MOINES, Iowa – It might break rules of social etiquette to discuss salary and wages, but for Iowa women, it's a conversation worth having…

"Women Taking Care of Women" in Iowa Today

DES MOINES, Iowa – If workplaces are short-staffed today, it might be because people across the globe are taking a day to speak out about the …

The Center for Judicial Excellence reports dozens of children in the United States were killed by their custodial parent, after a court ignored abuse claims by a protective parent. Source: Center for Judicial Excellence (Pixabay)

Abuse Ignored? Report Examines Custody Court Claims

DES MOINES, Iowa – Over the past eight years, custodial parents killed 58 American children after a court ignored abuse claims by a protective …

During American Heart Month, Iowans are encouraged to learn more about heart disease and make a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. (FDA.gov)

Health: An Important Matter of the Heart

DES MOINES, Iowa – While February is a month dedicated to love, it's also a time to focus on other matters of the heart. It is American Heart …

Iowa women will march for equity, justice and more on Saturday � some locally, and others in Washington, D.C. (Timothy Krause/Flickr)

"Hear Our Voice" – Iowa Women Ready to March for Equality, Justice

DES MOINES, Iowa - On the day after Donald Trump takes office, thousands of Iowa women will take to the streets to defend human rights and call for …

New research shows if current trends continue, Iowa women will not see equal pay compared to men in similar jobs until 2056. (Pixabay)

Research Finds Economic Inequities Holding Iowa Women Back

DES MOINES, Iowa – Despite advances in recent years, new research finds Iowa women still face inequities that can prevent them from reaching …

Women�s Equality Day is a chance to encourage many ways to strengthen the lives of women.<br />(Fibonacci Blue/Flickr)

The Fight Continues for Women's Equality in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa - Today is Women's Equality Day, a day set aside by Congress in 1971 to mark the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing …

Cyclists celebrate Bike Month to promote fitness, safety and environmentally-friendly transportation. (DSMBikeCollective.org)

Bike Month Celebrated by Riders of All Ages across Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa - Bicycles are a way to get around virtually pollution-free, to stay fit and simply have fun and meet new people. Carl Voss…

Research projects men and women will not have pay equity in the workplace until 2095. (Pixabay)<br />

Equal Pay Day: Iowa Women Still Paid Less than Men

DES MOINES, Iowa - It's Equal Pay Day, an observance that symbolizes how far into 2016 women have to work to catch up to the wages men earned in 2015…

A computer lab at ICIW's Mitchellville facility is named after DMACC Emeritus Admininstrator Mary Chapman (left). (DMACC)

Education Gives Second Chances at Iowa Women's Prison

DES MOINES, Iowa - The women incarcerated at the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women have a new resource to help better themselves once they're …

The high cost of child care is hampering working families, and a new survey says Iowa caucus-goers want the next president to address the issue. (maunere/morguefile)

Iowans Demand Candidates Fix Child Care Costs

DES MOINES, Iowa – On average, an Iowa family with an infant and a toddler pays nearly $18,000 a year for child care. That's roughly 30 …

Planned Parenthood of the Heartland will close its Dubuque location and move staff to Cedar Rapids in order to better address patient needs. (Planned Parenthood)

Planned Parenthood Shifts Resources to Meet Client Needs

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Planned Parenthood is closing its location in Dubuque not because of a lack of demand there, but because there's more demand in Cedar …

Regular screenings are vital as about one-in-eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Credit: AtnoYdur

Growing Number of IA Survivors Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month

DES MOINES, Iowa - This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Iowa and the yearly event is among the reasons why the number of survivors continues to …

PHOTO: Studies indicate female college graduates may have a tougher time finding a job and finding one that pays a fair wage. Photo credit: Nazareth College/Flickr.

A Tougher Job Market Awaits Iowa's Female College Grads

DES MOINES, Iowa - With graduation ceremonies coming soon, many Iowa students are now getting ready to land their first post-college job and the …

PHOTO: According to a new report released by a broad coalition of organizations, LGBT women in Iowa and around the country face lower pay, frequent harassment, compromised access to health care and heightened violence that threatens their economic security. Photo credit: thephotographymuse/Flickr.

Study Finds LGBT Women More Likely to Live in Poverty

DES MOINES, Iowa - More than 12 percent of Iowans live in poverty, and a new report finds that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender women are among …

PHOTO: Friday is National Wear Red Day, as the color choice for clothing is meant to raise awareness of the impact of heart disease on women. Photo credit: Kate Ter Haar/Flickr.

Raise Awareness of Heart Disease and Women: Wear Red Friday

DES MOINES, Iowa - Residents across Iowa tomorrow will be wearing their hearts on their sleeves, so to speak, as Friday is National Wear Red Day…

PHOTO: The consumption of alcohol during pregnancy is one of the leading preventable causes of birth defects and childhood disabilities. Photo credit: Phalinn Ooi/Flickr.

Message on Drinking When Pregnant is Clear: Zero for Nine

DES MOINES, Iowa – It is completely preventable, but based on historic rates, there will be tens of thousands of babies born in the United …

Doing Better, but Progress Slow to Reduce Preterm Births in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa - Progress is being made in reducing the number of preterm births in Iowa, as the state earned a grade of "B" in this year's report …

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