The Iowa Abortion Access Fund was founded in 1978 and raises money for residents throughout the state of Iowa and the Quad Cities. Like many abortion funds, the Iowa Abortion Access Fund began as a clergy consultation service in the days before Roe v. Wade, when abortion was illegal, referring patients to clinics in other states and helping them make connections. Although no longer affiliated with specific liberal churches, when abortion became a legal option, IAAF continued to help anyone who needed financial assistance. In January of 2010, we changed our name from IMAF (Iowa Medical Aid Fund) to IAAF to better reflect our commitment to work to normalize the term abortion and more clearly identify our service to people in need of abortion services. We are dedicated to the belief that the freedom to choose legal abortion should be available to all. IAAF is affiliated with the National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF).
IAAF has created a partnership between clinics and doctors and other health care providers. Patients are referred to IAAF by abortion clinics when the person is approved for a procedure, but may lack the financial resources for service. IAAF helps pay for abortions for residents of Iowa as well as residents of Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer, Whiteside, Knox, Henderson & Warren counties in Illinois. The IAAF telephone counselor discretely talks to each person about their financial resources and need for funds. Because of the obvious need, IAAF makes grants only to those with the greatest need and only for a portion of the cost. If the patient is qualified for a grant, IAAF sends payment in their name to the chosen clinic. Every client is reminded that IAAF works best when assistance is paid forward. We encourage (but do NOT require) to pay the money back, even in small amounts over a long period of time.