I have hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome, which means that I am prone to incredibly irregular menstrual cycles. I am also a PhD student on limited income, too old for my parents’ health insurance. Without access to birth control, I can have periods that last for a month and a half, or have no period for months at a time. Birth control allows me to have a normal cycle and prevents me from being in too much pain when I am on my period. It is incredibly important to me that women like myself–and even women not like myself–have access to proper health care through all stages of life and regardless of whether a woman is planning to have children.