As an obstetrician/gynecologist, I have had many patients like Jennifer (name changed), a 22-year-old Catholic mother of one. She decided to postpone expanding her family while she worked and finished school. For birth control, she selected an IUD, a long-acting, extremely effective method. Her job’s insurance took care of the cost.

But if the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) requirements for contraceptive coverage are rolled back, a patient like Jennifer may not be able to afford the device or would strain her family finances to afford it. Or she would be forced to set aside the IUD she knows would be best for her and use cheaper, less effective birth control, increasing her risk of an unintended pregnancy. With the ACA’s contraceptive coverage, more women will have access to affordable contraception.