Issues

Family Planning

Family planning is basic preventive health care for women of child-bearing age. In fact, for many low-income women, it is the only health care they receive. Family planning consists of well-woman physical exams, screenings for breast and cervical cancer, tests and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and contraceptive counseling, education and supplies. Consistent use of contraception reduces the rate of unintended pregnancy, which is associated with adverse health impacts for both mother and baby, including low birth-weight and infant mortality. Contraception also improves the economic security of families by allowing women and men to achieve educational and professional goals. MFHC advocates at the state and federal level for increased access to family planning and related health services for low-income and uninsured women.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a vital source of support for women’s health services in Missouri. Women make up 70 percent of the adult Medicaid program. In 2005, MFHC collaborated with the National Women’s Law Center and other Missouri groups on an analysis of Missouri Medicaid cuts and their impact on women in particular. Click here for a copy of the NWLC report.

Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraception (EC) is an FDA-approved method of birth control that has been available under the brand name Plan B since 1999. Also known as the "morning after" pill, EC contains the same hormones as ordinary birth control pills, and works in the same way as other hormonal methods of birth control. Widespread use of EC could prevent half of the approximately 3 million unintended pregnancies each year in the United States. Major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Medical Association, American Nurses Association and American Public Health Association, endorse the use of EC and advocate for broader access.

Teen Pregnancy

Teen pregnancy results in negative outcomes for the teen parents, the child and for society in general. Teen mothers are less likely to complete high school and more likely to be single parents. The link between teen parenthood and poverty is strong. Nationally and in Missouri, teen pregnancy and birth rates have been falling since the early 1990s. However, the United States still has one of the highest rates of teen pregnancy in the industrialized world. Click here for a map that shows teen birth rates in Missouri counties.

HPV and Cervical Cancer

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. HPV is a group of viruses with more than 200 different strains. An estimated 75 percent of sexually active persons will get HPV at some point in their lives. For most people, the virus will come and go silently without any symptoms. For others, certain strains of the virus can cause abnormal cells on the cervix, which left untreated could lead to cervical cancer. A recently approved vaccine has been shown to be 100 percent effective in protecting against two of the most dangerous strains of HPV.

Sexuality Education

Comprehensive sex education can help delay sexual activity among teens, while giving them information to help them avoid unintended pregnancy and protect their health when they do become sexually active. Research from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy shows that comprehensive sex education programs, which include a discussion of contraception in addition to abstinence, can be effective in helping teens to delay sexual activity, to use contraceptives when they do become sexually active, and to have fewer partners.