July 13, 2015

Birth Control on Demand

Introduction

In Colorado, teenagers and poor women were offered free intrauterine devices and implants. ACTAVIS/Medicines360

When Colorado offered teenagers and poor women free intrauterine devices and implants, which can prevent pregnancy for years, the birthrate among teenagers fell 40 percent in four years, and their rate of abortions fell by 42 percent.

If access to long-acting birth control is so effective at reducing unwanted pregnancies, should the government provide it free and on demand?

Read the Discussion »

Debaters

Women Need Dignity More Than Sex Without Consequence

Grace-Marie Turner, Galen Institute

Government should attend to legitimate functions that don't intrude on areas of morality.
Access to Birth Control Is About Life Control

Bianca Brooks, student

Government's primary role is to protect personal liberty. Contraception gives poor young women the freedom to say, "I have options."
Publicly Funded Birth Control Is Crucial

Kinsey Hasstedt, Guttmacher Institute

In 2010, such services helped avoid 2.2 million pregnancies, with a net government savings of $13.6 billion — $7 for every public dollar spent.
We Need More Honesty About Risks and Effects

Jeanne F. Mancini, March for Life

Long-term birth control doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases and IUDs can destroy a conceived life.
Improved Access to Contraception Is Only the Start

Melissa Gilliam, professor of obstetrics, gynecology and pediatrics

High-quality health care with patient involvement is particularly important for young women with limited life opportunities.