Debate over free birth control

Amanda Anderson

The Signal

Photo by Grant Chesshir.

Free birth control is part of the proposed universal healthcare overhaul by the current presidential administration, but many oppose the idea of paying for someone else’s preventative medicine.

The debate continues with strong proponents for both sides as the Department of Health and Human Services meets to decide if contraceptives should or should not be covered.

Most health insurance providers already cover birth control contraceptives across the country and also by Medicaid.  The controversy is about whether it should be completely free for those who want or need it.

Planned Parenthood supports the movement of free birth control because it would reduce the number of unwanted or unplanned pregnancies in the country, and would be available to all women, not just those who can afford it.

The La Porte Health Clinic, located at 1009 S. Broadway, also supports the idea of free birth control.

“It would cut back on the number of young women who come in needing pre-natal care who cannot afford it, and I think it would also cut down on the number of abortions as well,” said Theresa Williams, a nurse’s assistant at the clinic.

“Planning a family reduces health risks associated with pregnancy as well as improving the overall health of the patient,” said Peter Kropf, a doctor at the Planned Parenthood Center in Houston.

The National Center for Health Statistics released a report in agreement with Intercontinental Marketing Services Health stating that in 2009; nearly 93 million contraceptive prescriptions were dispensed.

There are many people across the country, however, who disagree with the idea of free birth control.

U.S. Catholic bishops state in comments filed with DHHS that they do not see pregnancy as an illness that needs to be treated or prevented; it is a normal and healthy body function, and they oppose any requirement to cover contraceptives and sterilization as preventative care.

Others, like the American Life League, say that it is not really free since the money used to pay for it would come from taxpayers who cannot opt out of the decision.

“I just don’t believe that my tax dollars should fund something I fundamentally oppose,” said Edith Pena, an opponent of free birth control.

The Institute of Medicine met Nov. 16, 2010, to begin work on the recommendations they will give to the Department of Health and Human Services. No decision has been made yet, but DHHS has until next August to decide what will and what will not be covered.