Blog Stage 5: Contraceptive Controversy

       One of the most popular and successful aspects of the Affordable Care Act was the access it gave women to inexpensive or even no-cost birth control. Birth control pills are one type of contraceptive, or a method to prevent pregnancy. They contain small amounts of estrogen and progestin hormones that work to inhibit certain functions of the female reproductive system, such as ovulation. As long as the individual stays on that medication, they are unable to get pregnant. However, many women also take the pills to lessen acne, regulate their menstrual cycles, and alleviate menstrual cramps as well as reduce their risk of developing endometrial or ovarian cancers and cysts in the breasts and ovaries.

       On January 11, 2017, an amendment to require insurance companies to continue covering birth control was rejected by the Senate Republicans as they moved forward on their process of repealing the Affordable Care Act. About 55 million women are receiving contraceptives cost-free, saving the average pill user $255 a year. Now a days, a 24-count box of condoms costs just $15, yet they are still given out for free at health clinics while the cost of birth control ranges from $0-50 a month, depending on the type.  Most women would demand for this to continue, but that's the way life works.

       Contraceptives are primarily used to prevent pregnancies but having sex is a personal choice and a personal responsibility. There are many things we do that put us in potential risk of a health issue but we must pay for the consequences, literally. Pregnancy is a big issue but it should not be prioritized over any other health condition.
       The continuation of coverage for oral contraceptives for women isn't just covered with a snap of the finger either. Making things "free" only means everyone will be paying for it in their taxes, but nobody should be paying for birth control except themselves. We shouldn't use insurance for regular expenses -- car insurance doesn't cover gasoline, health insurance shouldn't cover toothpaste or birth control. It will create less competitive markets on those everyday items, resulting in raised prices later on.

       The U.S. government was right to terminate the insurance coverage for women's contraceptives. These are personal necessities that aren't being used by every single women. So unfortunately, contraceptives should not be "free" under insurance, seeing as it would only raise their real cost and unfairly force others to pay for them.