I had to go to the Emergency Room Last Night

[Stormieweather]

This has changed recently, but I remember, years ago, asking why birth control/contraceptives weren't covered by insurance. The individual at the health department I was speaking to said...I don't know. But if you don't use them and get pregnant, THAT'S covered. So have a baby!

I was stunned. I mean, how much more is a pregnancy and baby than $10 of pills per month?

[Sundae]

Originally Posted by Stormieweather

This has changed recently, but I remember, years ago, asking why birth control/contraceptives weren't covered by insurance. The individual at the health department I was speaking to said...I don't know. But if you don't use them and get pregnant, THAT'S covered. So have a baby!

I was stunned. I mean, how much more is a pregnancy and baby than $10 of pills per month?

When I worked for the NHS in Leicester I was frustrated that contraception and sexual health services were the first to be cut when any budgets were on the line. ESPECIALLY those for young women, or those from targeted areas (with high teen pregnancy rates). I mean, yes, there is no bottomless well of funding. But for pity's sake - a child born to a 15 year old will cost the country much, MUCH more in time. Some will grow up to pay their own way of course (sadly, statisically they are less likely to). But even then, far more will have been spent in getting them to this point.

If a teen is having sex - even underage sex - but is responsible enough to seek out contraception it makes so much sense to make it easy for them to get hold of, surely? One less proponent of the it-won't-happen-to-me teen school of birth control is always welcome.

Sorry to here of your pain Sam, literal and mental.

I need to book another dental appointment. I'm peeved that it's only six months after the last one. But I should be grateful. My NHS dentist will charge me £15 for the privilege. Nothing compared to ending up in your situation.