Birth control merit clear

I’ve read that a group of medical and policy experts are deciding whether to categorize birth control as preventive medicine under the new health care reform law. If birth control is considered preventive medicine, it will be covered for free by health plans and women will not be required to contribute co-pays to get their prescription birth control.

Why do we need a panel to decide what is so blatantly clear? It’s hard to find a better example of preventive care than birth control. Birth control helps women stay healthy and avoid unintended pregnancies. When women can plan and space children, families and communities also benefit.

Why is this issue even up for debate? In addition to improving and saving lives, birth control saves money. By giving women the tools to make responsible decisions, our government reduces costs associated with unintended pregnancies.

With our state facing the largest budget deficit since the Great Depression, the clear fiscal and social benefits of birth control should be especially relevant. Our state cannot cut funding for family planning because it is basic, preventive health care for women that we can’t afford to lose.

Alayna Becker

Spokane