Publicly Funded Birth Control is a Win for Everyone, and Here’s Why

home insemination kit

Let’s face it: birth control is pretty incredible. It empowers both women and men to take charge of their reproductive health and family planning. Beyond just preventing pregnancies, contraceptives are essential for treating various health issues, from premenstrual dysphoric disorder to polycystic ovary syndrome. Honestly, it’s a modern miracle, and it deserves our appreciation.

However, reproductive rights have become a political pawn, putting access to contraceptives at risk. If we’re not careful, we could see a regression in women’s health and family planning reminiscent of a century ago. Seriously, this isn’t an exaggeration. As highlighted by the Washington Post, cuts to family planning funding could lead us back to health conditions not seen since the 1920s.

Before the landmark Supreme Court case Griswold v. Connecticut in 1965, birth control was illegal due to the outdated Comstock Act of 1873. During that time, countless women suffered and died from unsafe abortions, and millions of unwanted children were born into families already in distress. The 1960s and 70s marked significant progress for women’s health, with rulings like Griswold and Roe v. Wade, which granted legal access to contraception and abortion.

But just because something is legal doesn’t mean it’s accessible. The current administration has been vocal about opposing federal funding for contraceptives and believes that companies shouldn’t be required to provide such coverage. This perspective is troubling, to say the least. I mean, seriously, it’s 2023—how are we still debating women’s health rights?

Here’s a quick rundown of why publicly funded birth control is crucial:

1. Birth Control Reduces Abortions: This one seems straightforward, yet the pro-life advocates often overlook it. Access to birth control leads to fewer unwanted pregnancies and, consequently, fewer abortions. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 6.2 million women accessed contraception through public funding in 2015, preventing around 1.9 million unintended pregnancies and 628,600 abortions. So, if you’re pro-life, you should be pro-birth control!
2. Help the Planet: One of the most effective ways to combat climate change is to have fewer children. More kids mean more CO2 emissions—it’s that simple.
3. Hypocrisy in Legislation: It’s ironic that those who oppose contraceptive coverage often support insurance for medications like Viagra. The same individuals who proclaim “save the babies” can also support policies that ignore the plight of vulnerable children. It’s a clear double standard that needs to be addressed.
4. States’ Rights Argument is Flawed: While some politicians want to limit women’s rights at both state and federal levels, the “states’ rights” argument has historically been used to justify oppression. This isn’t about states’ rights; it’s about control. Different state laws can create significant barriers for women seeking healthcare, especially those who may not be able to travel far for services.
5. Reproductive Rights Matter to Everyone: Reproductive rights extend beyond just sex and babies; they influence education, careers, and financial stability. A woman’s decision about when to have a child affects her entire life, and ultimately, it impacts society as a whole.

Moreover, investing in family planning and public contraceptive funding is a smart financial move. NPR reports that every $235 million spent on family planning could save taxpayers a whopping $1.32 billion by avoiding unintended pregnancies. Other methods simply don’t match that return on investment.

I want to believe we can rise above this and show compassion for those who struggle, including low-income women and teens. But if empathy doesn’t resonate, maybe the economics will. Publicly funded birth control saves lives and money.

For more insights, check out our post on boosting fertility supplements. And if you’re interested in home insemination, this resource is fantastic for pregnancy-related information. For tools to assist in the process, consider this home intracervical insemination syringe kit.

In summary, publicly funded birth control benefits everyone—helping reduce abortions, empowering women, and saving money for taxpayers. Let’s keep advocating for universal access to reproductive health services.