Access to Affordable Birth Control Isn’t Just a Women’s Issue
posted by Laura M. Bell | November 29, 2017 | In OpinionLast month the Trump administration eliminated the Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandate that employers have to cover birth control under their plans, citing religious rights. Although, this appears solely as a women’s right issue, it’s not. This new loophole is detrimental to both men and women.
Family planning is a gender-neutral asset. Having child on your own terms can mean more opportunities, and more choices. Not having a dependent means being able to make decisions based on what you want, not on what will be best for your family, whether it’s spending a semester studying abroad, or switching your majors halfway through you college career.
Children are also very expensive. According to the Department of Agriculture the average cost to raise a child for a two-child, married couple is between $12,350 and $13,900 per year. An unplanned pregnancy could be devastating if not prepared financially.
The ACA has had positive effects on reproductive health. The Guttmacher Institute, an organization advances reproductive heath and rights, abortion in the United States is at an all time low since becoming federally legal in 1973.
While some may blame stricter abortion regulations for the decline in abortions, there is further correlation that easier and affordable access to birth control is the reason for the all time low. According data provided by World Bank, pregnancy rates are also declining.
This means that people are more easily able to plan their families how they see fit. Access to birth control is leading to fewer unplanned pregnancies, and of course fewer abortions.
While a man’s health may not be affected by affordable access to birth control, other aspects are easily reached. Men and women deserve the ability to financially plan for a child. Both deserve to decide when is the right time for parenthood.
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