IOM releases historic report on women's health
This week, the Institute of Medicine, an independent panel of doctors and health experts recommended that health plans cover the full range of contraception with no co-pays and therefore at no additional cost to women, as part of their basic health care. The addition of this service, along with several others such as an annual well-woman exam, screening of pregnant women for gestational diabetes and annual counseling on sexually-transmitted infections, will be good for women’s health and good for women’s pocketbooks. For many families, especially young families who are struggling in tough economic times, this decision will have a direct impact on the family budget. “The average U.S. woman desires two children, but is fertile for about 35 years,” said Michele Stranger Hunter, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon. “That means half of our population will spend around 30 years trying to prevent unintended pregnancy. Considering that planned pregnancies result in healthier women and healthier babies, it’s about time that birth control is recognized as preventive care for women.” NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon is painfully aware that women’s access to reproductive health care, particularly in rural areas of our state, is extremely limited. Primary care that includes preconception and contraception care will enable women to avoid unintended pregnancy, have healthier children and protect their overall health. Cost is too often a barrier to accessing birth control and preventing unintended pregnancy. In 2009, 30 percent of sexually active women with low- and middle-incomes reported having put off visits related to family planning to save money. Some forms of birth control can cost up to $60 a month! Long-acting or permanent methods can cost hundreds of dollars. If birth control is available under all health care plans with no co-pay, it will be more accessible to millions of women. NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon urges the Department of Health and Human Services to quickly adopt the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine to cover family planning and contraceptives with no co-pays under the new health care law. It is a historic step for women’s health and the economic well-being of their families.
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