When I was 21, my mom had just passed away, and her death drove me to uncontrollable anxiety, making me paranoid I had multiple STIs. I drove to a Planned Parenthood to get tested and was able to pay for all the tests out of my own pocket. Luckily, practicing safe sex had and has kept me free of STIs. Now, free birth control makes my life easier in so many ways. Not only does it prevent pregnancy, but it also makes my periods lighter and less painful, and lessens my previously awful PMS symptoms. I’ve been so lucky, and I want to continue to advocate for reproductive health for women who have not been as fortunate.