Birth Control Will Be Free August 1st

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius expanded access to birth control drastically Friday.  As part of the Affordable Care Act, all preventative medicine must be covered completely, without co-pay, and including all forms of birth control. As a cost-lowering measure: condoms are cheaper than diapers.

The announcement pleased women's health advocates and angered some on the right who felt the ruling encroached on their religious freedom.  Churches, synagogues and other religious institutions would not be forced to provide coverage, but religiously-affiliated employers (such as hospitals or adoption agencies) will not be exempt.

"No-cost birth control is one of the biggest advances for women's health in a generation and will ensure access to contraception for millions of women," said Alison Mondi, Director of Communications & Public Policy for NARAL Pro-Choice Washington. "All women should be able to benefit from this policy, regardless of their employers’ opinions."

The decision Friday protects employees and students who work for or attend religiously-affiliated organizations who don't share their employer's beliefs.

"Birth control is basic health care for women, and more than 98% of women – of many backgrounds and faiths – will use contraception at some point in their lives," reported Mondi. "One-third of women say they would switch birth control methods if not for the prohibitive cost.  Birth control coverage without copay means that women can access the birth control method that works best for them, and help reduce the rate of unintended pregnancy."