Birth Control By: Lorin

Definition The practice of preventing unwanted pregnancies, typically by use of contraception.

Why it is Controversial Many Christians believe that any technique that could interfere with the potential for conception is an attempt to “play God” Birth control has always been controversial but was a major topic of discussion in the 2012 election Obama administration announced in January that all employers would be required to cover free birth control for employees, some church-affiliated institutions said such a requirement was an infringement of religious freedom Romney vowed to end federal funding for Planned Parenthood

History Oral contraceptives, commonly known as the Pill, were approved by the FDA in1960. Griswold v. Connecticut, 1965: the Supreme Court strikes down state laws prohibiting contraceptive use for married couples Title X, the law that still funds family planning, passed the House by a vote of 298 to 32. It passed the Senate unanimously Republican president, Richard Nixon, signed it in 1970. 1972- The Supreme Court (in Baird v. Eisenstadt) legalized birth control for all citizens of this country, regardless of marital status.

History (cont.) In the early 1980’s the FDA reports that 10.7 million American women are on the Pill. Confidence in the safety of the pill has risen dramatically Early 2000’s- A study of 46,000 women conducted over 40 years found that women on the Pill live longer and are less likely to die prematurely of all causes, including cancer and heart disease.

Pros Cons Doesn’t protect against STD’s May cause side effects Very effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy if used correctly (over 95%) Decreases risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, and anemia Lighter and more regular menstrual cycle Can reduce acne Is easily reversible Doesn’t protect against STD’s May cause side effects nausea, increased appetite, headaches May cause weight gain Higher risk of blood clots May cause hypertension

Nebraska Connection Planned Parenthood of the Heartland offers prescriptions for the Pill and other forms of contraception Minors who are married can get a prescription for birth control without a parent’s permission. All other minors must get a parent’s permission to receive a prescription ‘In an era of tightened spending, the federal government definitely should not be funding organizations like Planned Parenthood,’ –Deb Fischer

Democratic views Support HHS mandate Support Planned Parenthood "I do not believe that we have a right to tell other people, women, that they can't control their body. It's a decision between them and their doctor, in my view, and the Supreme Court. I'm not going to interfere with that.“-Joe Biden

Republican Views Republicans believe all women have the right to purchase birth control, but not the right to have birth control for free; against government mandating a private organization must pay the full cost of someone else’s contraception “Abstinence education gives young people the support they need in making the decision to postpone sexual activity until they are mature enough to handle the emotional, moral and financial responsibilities of parenthood”-Mitt Romney

Obama’s Views Health care law requires contraceptives to be available for free for women enrolled in workplace health plans “Many people put off preventive care because the deductibles and copays are too expensive. That's why I fought for the Affordable Care Act, which will make sure all Americans have access to quality preventive health care services” - Barack Obama

Current Event The incoming bishop of Lincoln has pledged that the Catholic Church will not obey the administration’s HHS birth control mandate. The HHS mandate requires employers, including most religious employers, to provide health insurance that covers contraception, sterilization and abortion causing drugs. “The Catholic Church is not going to back down. We are never going to compromise our principles. We will defy it and face the consequences.” -Bishop James Conley http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/we-will-defy-obamas- birth-control-mandate-says-new-nebraska-bishop NEEDED: Who, What, Where, When, Why

Questions Do you believe students should be taught about contraceptive methods or abstinence? Explain your thoughts. Do you think employers should be required to provide health insurance that covers contraceptives? Why or why not?

My Opinion I believe every woman should have access to birth control. I do not believe that employers should be required to provide health insurance that covers birth control for employees. Birth control should be a private matter and the individual should be responsible for obtaining it.

Sources http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth- control-4211.htm http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/09/10/obama-and- romney-where-stand-on-issues759572/  http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/prosandcons.html http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/book/companion.asp?i d=18&compID=53 http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/we-will-defy-obamas- birth-control-mandate-says-new-nebraska-bishop/