Does Healthcare Extend to Women's Reproductive Rights?

As a woman who is on the lower end of the economic spectrum in America, I have lived without Health Insurance for several years now. I simply cannot afford it, and it is not offered to me at my place of employment. I have, however, done the best I could, given my circumstances, at taking charge of my health and taking care of myself. I have always been on the lookout for affordable Health Care, and decided recently that I would scope out my options for Birth Control.

I was told by a friend that there was a Planned Parenthood in my area that offered an income-sensitive sliding scale on birth control and exams. I was excited, and had to check it out. It was very hard to get an appointment, as the office was overly crowded with lower-income women and teenagers. But, finally, I got an appointment and filled out an application for lowered payments.

After my examination and the prescription were filled, I received a shock. My bill was $160.00! I asked if I had qualified for payment reduction, and the receptionist said no. As my income was over $9,000 a year, I made just enough money to not be qualified. I still can't believe it. I can barely survive on my current income, yet by the Government's standards, I am too wealthy to receive birth control at a reduced cost. Still, Planned Parenthood isn't all bad, as the receptionist told me. As they receive government funding, they can offer their birth control prices at a slightly lower rate than, say, a pharmacy. I had a hard time believing this, so I went to my local Giant Eagle. My prescription cost $45.00 a month at Planned Parenthood, and sure enough, without Insurance, it would cost $57.00 a month at the grocery store. Unfortunately, my birth control was one of the newer, lower-estrogen, less-side effects kind, so it wouldn't be covered by most Insurance Plans anyway.

It is shocking how little of Women's Reproductive Health is actually covered by most Insurance Plans. Although most plans will cover Rogaine for male-pattern baldness, and Viagra, for impotence, birth control is not seen as a necessary health service. In fact, prices on birth control have risen since the Bush Administration has been in office. A friend of mine serves in the Military, and therefore, has full-coverage health insurance. She was complaining to me, though, that her plan only helped pay for either a diaphragm, which is a very old method, or an IUD, which is a more permanent, complicated method than some women want at the time. None of the newer options were included in her health plan.

I would like to see more support and understanding in the issue of Reproduction and Family Planning. In my opinion, the reproductive choice of the woman should be more affordable and easily accessible, and women with a lower income should have options, as well. I think this is an important issue that needs addressed in America's Health Care System. What are we, if we are not free to choose? I hope, over time, the situation will improve.