In these hard economic times, I have patients who must choose between contraceptives and household bills. They often settle for cheaper, less effective forms of birth control. Consider Michelle*, 22, whose migraines would get worse with the estrogen in most birth control pills. She and I decided on an intrauterine device (IUD), with its extremely low failure rate compared to the pill and most other contraceptives. But Michelle’s insurance doesn’t cover the IUD, and she couldn’t afford the $750 cost. I prescribed progestin-only birth control pills, both of us knowing her insurance had put her at greater risk of unintended pregnancy. This is shameful. Birth control is a fundamental part of women’s health. Every employer, regardless of religion, should provide an insurance plan that meets this need.
*Name changed for privacy