Community Corner

LETTER: Free or Reduced Contraception 'Essential'

Deborah Barry writes in support of the Affordable Care Act.

By Deborah Barry

77 Glengarry Drive
Stratham, NH 03885

Dear Hampton-North Hampton Patch,

Important issues regarding contraception for women have been drawn to the forefront in recent weeks.  Many questions have arisen about insurance coverage and employers being mandated to offer coverage for contraception. While continuing to offer women choices in their reproductive healthcare, through the Affordable Care Act more women will be able to make decisions based on what’s best for them and could save substantial amounts of money each year.

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Women are encouraged to make safe and smart decisions about their sexual behaviors and reproductive health care. Providing access to free or reduced-cost contraception is essential for women’s abilities to do so. The Affordable Care Act does not in any way require women to use contraception nor does it dictate what forms of contraception should be used. Starting August 1st, most insurance plans will be required to fully cover contraception without co-pays or deductibles as part of women's preventive care.

Personal beliefs can, and should, be respected in all areas of reproductive health care. Although certain religious institutions, including churches, will be exempt from paying for insurance that covers contraception, it is disappointing to think that these organizations will not allow their employees to make their own decisions about such an important issue. Contraception is a personal decision which has a significant impact on our lives. Not only does it allow us to plan for pregnancies, but it may also help prevent certain forms of cancer and certainly affects the abortion rate in our country.

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While many employers and insurance providers offer coverage for men utilizing treatment to enhance sexual performance, why are women facing such uproar over their ability to control their own bodies?

Let’s make a commitment to respect our individual decision-making rights.  I’m supporting President Obama on this critical issue that affects not only millions of women across our country, but also affects us all.


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