Social Welfare Board offers several contraception options

Kirsten Stokes, St. Joseph News-Press, Mo.
·2 min read

Jun. 9—Senate Republicans recently voted down legislation that was proposed by Democrats to protect access to contraception, but in St. Joseph, community members in need have various options to access contraceptive care.

In an effort made by Senate Democrats to codify the right to contraception into federal law, the Rights to Contraception Act was blocked by Senate Republicans on Wednesday who say the bill isn't necessary and is a "show vote," according to South Dakota Sen. Josh Thune.

"This is something Americans across this nation agree upon. This is a right that is protected in all 50 states," said Republican Sen. Ted Cruz.

The measure failed with 51 votes in favor to 39 against. It needed 60 votes in favor to move forward.

"This bill simply says that if you want access to birth control, or if you're a health care provider wanting to prescribe birth control, the government has no right to interfere," said Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat.

Despite the debate on the national level over this legislation, there are still options for those seeking contraceptive care in St. Joseph.

Locally, the Social Welfare Board Westside Clinic provides multiple contraceptive methods for those who seek them.

Located at 904 S. 10th St. Suite A, the Social Welfare Board Westside Clinic accepts walk-ins and takes patients in urgent need. Business hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The clinic accepts commercial insurance and Medicaid and it works on a sliding scale fee. In addition, Danyelle Kerns, a nurse practitioner, said a handful of services are provided for free if approved.

"So condoms are handed out free, that would be your male contraceptive. We do have birth control pills and we hand those out frequently. We have Nexplanon, which is the insert that goes into the arm and last for three years. Also, we provide IUDs. Some of those usually range between 5 to 10 years of use," Kerns said.

Birth control shots and vaginal rings are also provided.

Kerns said that Plan B contraceptives are provided to the patient, with no questions asked, free of cost, if needed.

"You actually don't have to be a patient down here. For Plan B, you can walk up to the front counter and just tell the receptionist. That's a big deal because at the pharmacy those could cost around 50 bucks," she said.