Story No. 430: Dr. Bailey from Maryland

I had a 32-year-old patient come to see me for birth control. She has a six-year-old daughter who she adores, but she is not ready for any more children at this this time. This patient also has multiple sclerosis, and it is getting worse. She was recommended to start a new treatment to help with her symptoms; however, it is very dangerous to take this medication while she is pregnant, as it can hurt a developing fetus. In order to decrease her symptoms, she wanted to be on a reliable form of birth control. We arranged for her to get an IUD. She is very happy with the IUD and is starting her new medication soon to help her stay healthy and active for her six-year-old daughter. She is able to do this because of reliable access to comprehensive reproductive health care. She was very grateful for this.