As of August 1 insurance companies must cover women’s preventative services, including birth control, and businesses must offer coverage to their employees.
This new law is part of the Affordable Care Act. It will cover birth control, well-women visits, screening for gestational diabetes, testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV) as part of cervical cancer screening for women 30 years old or older, counseling about sexually transmitted infections, counseling and screening for HIV, counseling on breast-feeding, including breast-feeding equipment, and counseling on interpersonal and domestic violence.
In the state of Arkansas, minors can get birth control with no restrictions. In a survey of 63 juniors and seniors recently conducted by The Herald, 47% of the females surveyed take birth control, and 53% said they did not take birth control.
As part of the Affordable Care Act, all Americans will contribute to an insurance policy which will cover preventative services for women.
According to the surveys, many contributing factors play a role in using or not using birth control. Of the 47% of those who take birth control, 33% of them take it to avoid an unintended pregnancy, 28% take it to keep their skin clearer, 24% take it to regulate hormones and periods, 5% take it to avoid cancers and cysts.
“I take it because of past cyst eruptions, which might have killed me if I didn’t get a doctor’s help,” said a student who was surveyed. “Birth control saves lives. It is needed. It should remain an open option for every woman.”
Additionally, 5% take it because their parents wanted them to, and 5% take it because their doctor prescribe it for various reasons.
Of the 53% who do not take birth control, 55% of them do not take it because they are not sexually active, 15% do not take it because of fears of adverse effects and complications, and 5% do not take it because of religious and moral reasons. Additionally, 5% do not take it because their parents won’t allow it, 5% do not take it because it’s too expensive or not covered under their insurance, and 5% do not take it for other reasons.
The debate over preventative services sparks when opposing sides of the issue argue the government’s role in the new health care system.
Opponents of the plan fear that the government is taking away people’s choice. Supporters argue that the government should provide a health care plan that covers preventative services at affordable rates.
“Without birth control, there will be more pregnant teens,” a student said. “It should be covered for people who can’t afford it.”
For those who cannot afford it or as a matter of choice, the Affordable Care Act addresses both sides of this issue.
“It is a prescribed drug and I think it should be the woman’s choice. If the doctor says the woman is physically healthy enough, then they should have the choice. The government shouldn’t have a say,” said a student who was surveyed.
This health issue is one of the social issues at the heart of the Republican platform as the candidates fight for the party’s nomination. However, it was ruled in December of 2000 under the Bush Administration that companies that provided prescription drugs to their employees but didn’t provide birth control were in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prevents discrimination because of sex.
Another issue with the new policy is from a religious standpoint, but this law does have an amendment that allows religious organizations to opt out of covering birth control, but that they have to provide a way to give their employees a way to get it if they want it.
According to an article on shape.com, an online women’s fitness magazine, “The provision includes an amendment that allows religious organizations that offer health insurance to its employees to opt out of covering birth control.”
This addition to The Affordable Care Act is causing many people to question the effect this will have on women’s rights.
“I believe that women should be given their choice. For once give them the chance to make their own decisions,” said a student.
As of March 30, the Supreme Court has heard arguments for and against the Affordable Care Act, which includes the issue of preventative services, and are now deciding whether to uphold the law or to strike it out entirely.
“I can see both sides. They both have some legitimate concerns and points,” said AP World and AP Government teacher Mr. Wendel Nothdurft.
