Birth Control petition

[keista]

This petition came across my facebook page. Thought some of you might be interested in signing.

The following is what I wrote in additional comments:

Please STRONGLY consider designating contraception as preventative care. The more women have access to contraception, the fewer unexpected pregnancies there will be. Fewer unexpected pregnancies means fewer debates about abortion. And while I'm in favor of adoption, that is not always the joyous event that it should be. Too many children who are adopted out were exposed to drugs or alcohol in utero, and this leads to lifelong problems for the child and adoptive parents. How much better for everyone if that pregnancy could have been prevented in the first place.

 

[hearts and roses]

Thank you for sharing. I receive their newsletters and find them to be very fair minded and informative. I've signed this petition as well as many others!

 

[DammitJanet]

Can I ask a stupid question? Are there really people out there that dont have access to birth control? I know you can get condoms at every store and if you dont want to buy them, theres the health dept. Doesnt the health dept also do the pill too? Doesnt insurance cover birth control?

I dont know because after my last kid I had my tubes tied. I was allergic to the pill so I had to use condoms. My only other choice was IUD's and I had one of those in my teens.

 

[keista]

Not all insurance covers birth control, and even if it does there is a copay. Classifying it as preventive care would eliminate or lower the copay and require all insurance companies to cover at least some options.

I find it completely idiotic since many women of childbearing years are forced to get a maternity rider to their insurance. So if you have to pay MORE 'just in case' you get pregnant shouldn't it make sense to have easier access to something that can prevent the high cost of pregnancy? And yet, Viagra has ALWAYS been covered by insurance. Go figure

 

[hearts and roses]

Not only do many teens and adults not have access to birth control due to living in remote areas and without any means of transportation, but many pro-life groups fight vehemently to prevent access, ESPECIALLY to those at risk for teen pregnancy and overall preventative gynecological care (such as people in remote areas and low income families).

There are lobbyist groups that are supported by ultra conservatives who pour millions upon millions of dollars every year with the goal to shut down organizations such as Planned Parenthood who offer free or reduced preventative gynecological care as well as birth control, as well as other smaller organizations who offer the same services.

 

[muttmeister]

Thanks; I signed the petition and added it to my facebook page.