Family-planning concession may cost Kansas

In an effort to blunt Republican objections to the federal stimulus bill, President Obama has asked Democrats to pull the provision that would help provide contraceptives to poor women.

The decision may impact Kansas more than most places. Historically, the Sunflower State ranks near the bottom in public funding for contraceptive services. According to a 2005 analysis by the Guttmacher Institute, public expenditures for contraceptive services fell by 32 percent in Kansas from 1994 to 2001.

The Guttmacher Institute ranked the 50 states and the District of Columbia in terms of their efforts to help woman avoid unintended pregancy. Kansas ranked 46th.

Missouri does a little better, as it’s one of 27 states to have obtained federal approval to extend the reach of family-planning services. Missouri ranked 25th on Guttmacher’s list.