Polk County Health Department provides free emergency contraceptives inside bathrooms

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Polk County Health Department is providing free emergency contraceptives inside its bathrooms, and in about a month has provided the medication to over 100 people.

In July, the department announced in a Facebook post that it would have free emergency contraceptives, sometimes referred to as Plan B, stationed inside its restrooms. The Family Council of Iowa provided the department with Levonorgestrel, the medication that reduces the chance of pregnancy after intercourse.

Emergency contraceptives can cost anywhere between $10 to $70 depending on the brand. Different brands of Levonorgestrel include Plan B, One Step, My Way, Next Choice, Julie, etc.

The department also has contraceptives like condoms available, as well as lubricant and sharps containers, which can be used to dispose of needles.

This comes after Iowa’s law prohibiting most abortions after six weeks went into effect in late July. The department said that this initiative is to help people manage their health care.

“We think it’s a good way to make this resource really accessible for the community. You can come in, grab an emergency contraceptive, and go out. You don’t have to pay for it, there are no complicated steps or anything. We just want to make sure it’s out there and accessible to anyone who needs it,” said Addie Olson, the Public Health Communications Officer.

Olson said the medication will be available as long as The Family Council of Iowa continues to provide it to the department.

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