Kathy's Story
I am 41 years old and have been on the pill for 12 years. Before that, I had been on the pill for two years (1987-1989) and other than those times, have used a diaphragm or condoms for birth control.
I have always been very conscious of the seriousness of the decision to have a child, and scrupulously careful to prevent this from happening unless I was 100% sure I was ready. It just so happens that I've never felt ready to have a child. Rather than bring another human being into the world when I'm not sure, I prefer to use contraception.
My present health insurance does not cover contraception unless I need it for some reason other than birth control. So, if I want it covered, my doctor and I would have to lie about why I'm using it.
If I wanted a child, I would be actively trying to get pregnant, not actively trying to prevent pregnancy. I probably would have had one by now, most likely while I was married. The fact that I have never seriously tried to get pregnant should be enough to convince people that I do not want children. Why is my wish not taken seriously?
I think that at 41 years old, when I'm self-supporting and paying taxes, I have the right to determine my own health care and my own family planning.
And I think that if insurance can cover Viagra and fertility treatments, then it should also cover contraception. What's the difference?
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