Story No. 178: Dr. Anne from New York

I recently saw Leslie, who is in her thirties. Leslie has a malignant tumor in her breast, and it is the type that feeds on hormones. If Leslie were to become pregnant, the resulting upsurge in hormones would make her tumor grow faster, rapidly increasing the likelihood that her cancer would spread and kill her. Leslie can’t use less expensive forms of birth control, like the pill, because they contain hormones. For her, a copper IUD is the only option, but it costs at least $800, way beyond her budget. What employer would be so cruel as to deny Leslie this vital health care at a price she can afford?