The Iowa Abortion Access Fund (iaaf) is dedicated to the belief that the freedom to choose legal abortion should be available to all women. iaaf is committed to providing financial assistance and access to abortion services for women in Iowa, including the Quad Cities area, who lack the resources to pay for an abortion.

iaaf has created a partnership between clinics and doctors and other health care providers. Women are referred to iaaf by clinics when a woman is approved for a procedure but lacks financial resources. The iaaf telephone counselor talks with each woman about her financial resources and need for funds. Because of the obvious need, iaaf makes loans only to women with the greatest need and only for a portion of the cost. If a woman is qualified for a loan, iaaf sends payment in her name to the chosen clinic. Every client is reminded that the subsidy is considered a loan and is encouraged to pay the money back, even in small amounts over a long period of time.

iaaf is affiliated with the National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF).

Why are abortion funds necessary?

All women, but especially low-income women, have been the focus of legislative attempts to limit access to abortion. Iowa women on Medicaid can't receive public assistance for abortions unless for an immediately life threatening condition. No help is available for women with serious medical or mental health problems, for women who are homeless, for young girls trying to finish school, for families who can't afford another child, or for women who are victims of abuse, rape, or incest.

Every year, iaaf provides loans to hundreds of Iowa women who have made the difficult decision to have an abortion. They represent all racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Some are married, some are single. Their ages range from 11 to 45. Their situations are desperate.

iaaf receives foundation funding for the Quad Cities area, but raises funds for the remainder of the state. Founded in 1978 as the Cedar Rapids Medical Aid Fund, iaaf relies largely on supporters in east central Iowa, although it provides interest-free loans to women throughout the state. Twenty eight percent of loan requests come from central Iowa. In 2006, iaaf was forced to refuse requests for over three months because of funding shortfalls. Please consider a contribution and please ask others who support reproductive rights to help.

Spread the word
The recent presidential election and legal actions in Iowa show that the residents of this state are still dedicated to progressive civil rights; iaaf could use your help to spread our message throughout the state and find new supporters dedicated to ensuring the right of choice for women. iaaf board representatives are available to come speak to your group or organization to explain what we do and how you can help our mission. Please contact us for scheduling and additional information.

Privacy Policy & Confidentiality
This website is owned and operated by or on behalf of the Iowa Abortion Access Fund.  We recognize that visitors to our site may have concerns about the information they provide to us and how we use that information.  iaaf does not use software that tracks visitors to this website.  Only if you initiate further contact with our organization will your contact information be recorded.  Please refer to the iaaf Confidentiality Policy regarding how we treat general donor and supporter information.