A proposal to extend the duration of Medicaid coverage for pregnant Iowans has widespread support, but some activists are concerned about the state potentially lowering the income threshold to participate in the program, saying it would shut out low-wage working moms who desperately need prenatal care. Many of the people Read more…
BY ELEANOR HILDEBRANDT It was a sunny Tuesday in September, less than a week into my Fulbright grant, when I wandered into Madam Anna Ekke, a cafe in Munich, with a new friend. As we perused the menu and I suggested food options, my friend corrected my pronunciation of every Read more…
The Iowa chapter of Postpartum Support International received funding from the National Institutes of Health that will be used to create postpartum support groups throughout the state in 2024 and beyond. Advocates said this funding – and the groups it will be used to create – will help not only Read more…
BY BUSINESS RECORD STAFF Iowa advocacy groups that focus on improving maternal and infant health are coming together tomorrow for the inaugural Maternal and Infant Health Day at the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines. Members of the public who wish to share their postpartum stories or voice their support of Read more…
April Schmaltz has been named CEO and president of Delta Dental of Iowa, the company announced. The announcement comes after the completion of a national search. Schmaltz replaces Jeff Russell, who left the company in May to become president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. Schmaltz was Delta Read more…
Republicans who control the Iowa Legislature and governor’s office are signaling their intent to allow some pregnant women covered by Medicaid to keep coverage for 12 months after the end of pregnancy. In her Condition of the State address Tuesday evening, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said she is proposing lengthening Read more…
BY EMILY BARSKE WOOD, SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR, AND NICOLE GRUNDMEIER, STAFF WRITER Connection is one of our Fearless core values. We strive to connect our audience with new thoughts and perspectives in our weekly e-newsletter. Guest contributors are key to this. Those who contribute opinion and commentary pieces ensure Fearless is inclusive by giving Read more…
A typical annual session of the Iowa Legislature sees hundreds upon hundreds of ideas proposed in bills. Before lawmakers begin their work for 2024 this morning, Fearless is taking a look at a few of the topics most relevant to Iowa women and girls that could come up.Republicans control the agenda; they Read more…
BY MICHAEL CRUMB, BUSINESS RECORD SENIOR STAFF WRITER While progress has been made in increasing the availability of quality, affordable child care in recent years, more needs to be done, state lawmakers said in a recent panel discussion during a forum on challenges facing child care providers in Iowa.The discussion occurred Read more…
(Editor’s note: A press release for this award popped into my email recently. It made my week. I had not seen Barbara Mack’s name in print for so very long. Mack, a longtime Iowa State University professor and First Amendment lawyer, was a previous recipient of the Young Women’s Resource Read more…