USA Missing $12 Billion. Vice Pres Spreads AIDS. Doctor Patel Predicts Future.
Issue II: Compiled by Julie Schultz
If you have worked or volunteered for Planned Parenthood, we’d love to interview for a special edition. Email us: editor@makehealthprimary.com!
Utah Gets Sexed
In Utah, a study offers women free birth control for 3 years to try to determine the resulting social and health impacts of cost-free contraception. The demand exceeded their expectations, and they are gathering a large pool of data to study. Their conclusion so far is that accessible birth control in Utah is much needed.
Massachusetts Won’t Be Bullied By Trump
Massachusetts legislators propose to protect the right of no-cost birth control for women in their state. In a pioneering move forward, An Act Advancing Contraceptive Coverage and Economic Security in our State (ACCESS) would require all health care providers in Massachusetts to cover birth control without co-pays.
America’s Missing $12 Billion
A Child Trends study says the U.S. could save $12 billion annually by giving everyone birth control, which has prompted the media to inquire what could be accomplished with all that money. One proposal includes 425 State Energy programs, 9 Global Climate Change initiatives, 375 Minority Business Development Agencies, 30 nursing training programs, 900 National Wildlife Refuge funds, 145 Endowments for Arts and Humanities with money left over.
Teens Won’t Need A Prescription
Researchers propose over-the-counter birth control availability for teenagers. Scientists argue the risks of oral contraceptives are minimal, and when the birth control rate increases, pregnancy and abortion rates decrease. The idea has been promoted for years, but only the FDA can change birth control from prescription to over-the-counter.
New Legislation Defunds Planned Parenthood
Thanks to new passing legislation, states are now allowed to withhold funding from health care organizations that perform abortions such as Planned Parenthood. The bill passed in the Senate with Vice President Mike Pence casting the last vote to break the 50–50 tie. Now the bill only awaits President Trump’s signature at the White House. This bill will reverse the policy under Obama’s administration that forbid states from blocking funding to birth control organizations.
HIV Sweeps Forecasters
An HIV epidemic spread through Scott County in Indiana in 2014–2016, when federal spending on Planned Parenthood was cut and therefore restricted the community from access to an HIV testing center. Vice President Mike Pence, who was governor of Indiana, responded slowly to the situation. Many fear that the past will repeat itself under the new healthcare bill Pence broke the tie over.
Dr. Patel Knew Better
Last week, Dr. Kavita Patel told women covered by the Affordable Care Act to “go get your birth control now because, honestly, nobody knows if all of this passes if you’ll be able to get this in three months.” Those who followed her advice are happy they did. The new healthcare bill that passed in the Senate on March 30, 2017 puts funding for organizations like Planned Parenthood in jeopardy.
NYTimes Doesn’t Understand Women’s Bodies?
New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristoff causes waves of anger at his description of a teen visiting a family planning clinic in his recent column entitled, “She’s 17 and Needs Birth Control.” Kristoff has angered many due to his inadequate and insensitive description of a healthcare center similar to Planned Parenthood. The organizations offer more than abortions for sex-crazed teens, and there is a call to offer help for exploited women rather than to repress questions about the woman’s experiences.
Inks For A Cause
L.A. Residents get tattoos at an event that raises proceeds for Planned Parenthood. This event was inspired by the Women’s March in January and most of the tattoos reflected messages of equality and women’s rights. The entire fundraiser raised over $25,000 for organizations.
As Seen On Netflix
Comedian Amy Schumer recently starred in a Netflix release, The Leather Special, where she jokes about men taking birth control instead of women. In her gender-reversal fantasy, she imagines men taking the pill and worrying over birth control as the norm. The context of recent legislation makes her sketch even more humorous and calls into question if men should be on birth control instead of women.
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