What will give?

I've known about the pending birth control price issue for quite some time. Some providers figured it out pretty early and the only thing keeping the story a non-issue was that many clinics stocked up as much as they could at the cheaper prices. What we are seeing is that clinics have run out of their stockpiles.

Just before classes started this fall, the Chicago Sun-Times profiled a student (whom I know) who got pregnant after going off her birth control because of the increase in prices (sadly the Sun-Times archives aren't free after 30 days). I think that her story and Valerie's show that students are very sensitive to economic factors. Birth control is NOT like gas, as a University of Kentucky editorial states. Despite Ashlie's optimism, student's won't pay any price to prevent pregnancy. Some will take their turn at Russian roulette, praying to their Gods & Goddesses that they aren't ovulating, hallelujahing when their period comes, and risk it again. Some will get pregnant, have abortions, surrender children to adoption, or parent. It's really sad when it can be prevented by an act of Congress.

Rep. Carolyn Maloney is on the case:

I am working with my pro-choice colleagues in Congress to close this ridiculous loophole and bring down the cost of prescription birth control at college health centers and free clinics. In fact, Secretary of Health and Human Services Mike Leavitt could easily close this unfair loophole and restore access to affordable birth control for millions of women. Yesterday, Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) and I wrote a letter urging him to do just that (to read the full text of our letter, click here). Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY) is also working on legislation that would bring costs down.

Thank you Rep. Maloney! Contact your representative and see if she or he is also working on this issue.

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