Millions of Women Could Face Birth Control Crisis
Since the November election, voters in Arizona have voiced their fear about President Donald Trump’s and other Republicans’ plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
Eleanor Brooks, a teacher from Tempe, believes that the “repeal could cause so many ripple effects in our country, especially for young girls. Without access to birth control and similar services, I fear that we will see a spike in teen pregnancy.”
This repeal could potentially leave millions of people without access to affordable healthcare, among them, women who depend upon the Obama era policy for access to birth control and other reproductive services.
“I don’t support the decision for it not to be covered under the new plan. If men can have the same type of services provided to them and covered, then women should also be covered for these services,” said Rebecca Casey a Mesa resident.
Despite the familiarity with the name of the act, many people do not realize that birth control is not the only service women will lose access to. Sexually transmitted infections tests, cancer screenings, and sexual education are among some of the other services they provide.
According to the healthcare.gov website, six general categories of contraceptive methods are currently covered, including hormonal birth control pills, intrauterine devices, and diaphragms. In addition to contraceptive methods and counseling, the ACA also covers breastfeeding services such as equipment and assistance before and after birth. These services are important to a baby’s development, but most women do not take advantage of their right to access this support.
If the plan is repealed without an immediate replacement, it will leave a nation’s citizens with a feeling of uncertainty surrounding the future of their healthcare.