LARC Access Expansion Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 24, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to increase access to long-acting reversible contraception through new federal grants and a telehealth demonstration program, but strictly limits eligibility to health centers that do not receive Title X funding and do not perform abortions.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to eligible health centers to expand patient access to Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARCs). These grants would fund training for healthcare professionals and the procurement of LARC inventory for same-day insertion. Additionally, it establishes a demonstration program to use telehealth to increase LARC access, particularly in rural areas. Crucially, the bill explicitly excludes health centers that receive Title X funds or perform abortions from eligibility for these new programs, and prohibits funds from being used for emergency contraception.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that increasing access to highly effective LARCs can significantly reduce unintended pregnancies, improve maternal and infant health outcomes, and empower women with greater control over their reproductive planning, especially in underserved communities. They would emphasize that the bill directs funds to centers that align with specific policy priorities by excluding abortion providers and Title X recipients.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that the bill's exclusion of Title X-funded centers and abortion providers is politically motivated and will severely limit the program's reach and effectiveness. They argue that these restrictions create unnecessary barriers to care for many women, particularly those who rely on comprehensive reproductive health providers, and politicize access to essential contraception.
The bill is concise and clearly written, allowing an informed reader to understand its provisions and implications within a short timeframe.
Section 2(a), amending Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act by inserting new subsection (k).
Grants for Providing Patient Access to Long-Acting Reversible Contraception
This provision authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to specific health centers. These grants are intended to fund education and training for at least two full-time healthcare professionals on LARC provision, and to help centers procure and maintain an inventory of LARCs for same-day insertion. The goal is to ensure that eligible centers have the trained staff and necessary supplies to offer LARCs immediately to patients.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that these grants directly address critical barriers to LARC access by ensuring providers are adequately trained and that devices are readily available for immediate insertion, which is crucial for effective contraception.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that the specific eligibility restrictions (detailed in another provision) will significantly limit the number of health centers able to receive these grants, thereby reducing the overall impact on LARC access.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the goal of expanding LARC access with specific restrictions on the types of providers that can receive funding, potentially limiting the overall reach of the program.
Section 2(a), new subsection (k)(4) of the Public Health Service Act.
Eligibility Requirements and Limitations for LARC Grants
This section defines an 'eligible health center' for the LARC grants. To qualify, a center must serve high-need areas (e.g., high infant mortality, medically underserved, health professional shortage areas). Crucially, it must *not* receive funds under Title X and *must certify it will not perform or provide funds to any other entity that performs an abortion*. Additionally, grant funds cannot be used for emergency contraception.
Section 3, inserting new subsection (l) into the Public Health Service Act.
Demonstration Program for Increasing Access to Contraceptive Methods via Telehealth
This provision authorizes a new demonstration program where the Secretary can award grants to eligible health centers to use telehealth capabilities to increase women's access to certain contraceptive methods. Grant recipients must establish a consortium to coordinate the voluntary provision of LARCs at community clinics through telehealth, focusing on increasing access for women in rural areas. The program aims to provide patient consultations via telehealth and then refer patients to a physician for LARC insertion.
Section 3, new subsection (l)(2) and (l)(4) of the Public Health Service Act.
Eligibility and Limitations for Telehealth Demonstration Program
This provision specifies the eligibility criteria for health centers seeking grants under the telehealth demonstration program. Centers must *not* be receiving funds under Title X, *must* be receiving funds under other provisions of Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act, and *must certify they will not perform or fund abortions*. Similar to the direct LARC grants, funds from this program cannot be used for emergency contraception.