When people think of reproductive health in Louisiana these days, they think of SB 33, an ultra-restrictive abortion ban that would outlaw abortions, including in cases of rape and incest and to protect the health of the mother.  So it should come as welcome news to hear about a more levelheaded reproductive health program: the state has just been approved for a program that will expand preventive family planning services for women.  Louisiana will receive matching federal funds to provide contraception, gynecological exams, and other services to uninsured low-income women who do not qualify for Medicare.  About 75,000 women will be served state-wide through this program, called “TAKE CHARGE.”  

According to a press release, the program is being established in part as a response to Louisiana’s above-average instance of unintended pregnancies.  55% of total pregnancies in the state are unplanned.  While the two policies have nothing to do with each other on their surface – they’re the work of different government agencies and were developed independently of each other – TAKE CHARGE stands out brightly against the backdrop of SB 33. 

Both relate to the problem of a high rate of unintended pregnancies. SB 33 would make women who are already ill-equipped to prevent a pregnancy into criminals for seeking an abortion, but with what end goal in mind?  What possible effect will this legislation have on the rate of unintended pregnancy?  The reality is that unplanned pregnancies will leave women – particularly those women with fewer economic options – in difficult situations, and some will find ways to receive abortions regardless of the law.  SB 33 will do nothing to address the issue of unplanned pregnancies.  It will only make them more difficult for women to deal with.

TAKE CHARGE faces this reality constructively. If it is successful, the women who receive its services will be able to take control of their fertility and avoid unwanted pregnancies.  With fewer unwanted pregnancies comes the decreased need for abortions.  If abortions are not needed and no one seeks them, then there’s no need to make women and their doctors into criminals.

No new concepts here…  But TAKE CHARGE feels like a rare case of family planning services being expanded in the current political climate. It is particularly interesting that it’s happening in Louisiana, and hopefully this news can provide some contrast to all of the current attempts to criminalize abortion around the country.  It’s a sign that policies that will actually help women can still be enacted in the most conservative states, and that reason can prevail over shriller voices.