Why aren't those arguing against contraception as part of the health insurnace

[LiberalFighter]

being rebutted better on this? They complain about them having to pay for birth control costs that others used but nothing about the viagra that men receive thru their insurance or vasectomies, prostrate exams and procedures.

Or back to medicine that is related to women. If there is nothing wrong with costs being balanced out so women can receive care related to pregnancy, menstruation, menopause then why should birth control be an issue?

[HopeHoops]

1. It's hard to have a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.

There's nothing about the anti-contraception position that makes any sense on any level. It's just a hot-button issue but it isn't going to win many political points.

[classof56]

2. I'm thinking they probably object to "paying for" any "female-related" prescriptions or procedures..

I find myself wondering where Big Pharma is on all this? Pretty sure hormone replacement therapy, from the various forms of birth control to that which makes menopause easier to handle, is doubtless a real cash cow for the pharmaceuticals. Not to mention those anti-depression meds, pain killers, sleeping aids, etc., etc. If those aren't covered by insurance, it seems only logical that demand will take a nosedive because the women they benefit won't be able to afford them, with a resulting decrease in revenue for Big Pharma. I just haven't seen anything to indicate if they have weighed in on this. Maybe I've missed it somewhere along the way.

Just as an aside--I'm now in my 7th decade of life and I just can't believe these issues are even out there. Thought all this was settled long, long ago, but guess that was back when Republicans made sense. I even voted for a few now and then. As Dylan said, "The Times they are a-Changin'". Just wish it was for the better--think that's what he had in mind!

[LiberalFighter]

7. We still have these issues because of religion.

Decisions by men who still want to control women and have families fit a defined definition.

Despite having specific religions there are branches within those groups and anyone for the most part can be a member of the clergy as well as use their own interpretations.

[bornskeptic]

3. There is no mandate to cover viagra at the federal level or in any state.

Any employer can choose to exclude viagra coverage from its health insurance plan, as mine does. Medicare does not cover viagra either, unless the insurance company pays for it with premium dollars. Part D insurers cannot pay for viagra with federal money.

[IndyJones]

4. BC is a preventative medication. People who have to take heart, cholestorol and other meds do so

because they made personally poor health choices (not always, but often) and we have to pay for their poor choices. So what is all of the outrage and people like O'Reilly soapboxing that Americans shouldn't "pay for other people's activities and choices". Explain the difference. Oh, there is none. We pay for other people's personal choices everyday. Why is birth control medication as a preventative drug different?

Many women take birth control medication for reasons other than preventing ovulation. It is a preventativem medication, just like all of the other medications insurance already pays for. What they prevent is between a woman and her doctor.

[crimsonblue]

5. Men should be supporting birth control

Condoms are fucking expensive and annoying.

[HeiressofBickworth]

6. So is support for a child for 18 years

Or do men think it's ok to walk away from any consequence of unprotected sex? That's why I'm surprised men aren't behind including birth control pills in insurance coverage benefits.

Or, include the pills because they treat female conditions that cause pain and suffering. Don't men care?

I don't have a penis, but I think insurance should cover prostate exams and treatments which would alleviate suffering and potential death.

What happened to people just caring about each other's health and welfare?

[classof56]

8. A big AMEN to that! Well said, and thanks! n/t

[juajen]

9. What is never said, and should be,

is that birth control pills prevent abortions. BC is also needed for family planning. More to the point, we in this country support thousands of children born out of wedlock and also give the mothers money for food, housing expenses or reduced rent vouchers, and health care for mom and baby. This costs us millions of dollars. Why is this not being discussed? Birth control pills are cheap compared to the alternatives. BTW, I actually know some welfare moms who do keep having babies so they do not have to go to work. Don't bite me, and the women are white, not black. One of them also collects child support from two fathers and still gets help from the taxpayers. She also doesn't marry because she might lose her benefits. Unfortunately, some women don't believe in birth control. Unbelievable, but true. Another point that I have made before and continue to make, is that we are overpopulated. Enough said.

[Arneoker]

10. As a pro-lifer I say amen to that!

BTW, apparently the abortion rate is lower in the Netherlands, where abortion is legal and birth control is widely available, than in Latin America, where it is illegal in most places.

[Telly Savalas]

11. When a toddler throws a temper tantrum, is it appopriate to construct elaborate arguments

explaining the faults in his logic?

How is this any different?

[bluedeminredstate]

12. What I don't get

is how conservatives are getting away with saying that they are somehow "paying" for someone else's contraception. Sandra Fluke was asking her insurance company to provide the medication - not the taxpayer, the government or Rush Limbaugh. Why are they getting away with framing the issue this way?

[Beaverhausen]

13. because Viagra is 'pro-life' and contraception is about abortions, etc.

at least that's what some right winger friend of mine said on her facebook page.