Birth Control

Challenges to the Contraceptive Coverage Rule: What’s at Stake?

By NWHN Staff | May 1, 2013 | Comments Off on Challenges to the Contraceptive Coverage Rule: What’s at Stake?

Since the Obama administration announced in August 2011 that health insurance plans would be required to cover contraceptive care without charging co-pays, over 50 lawsuits have been filed across the country claiming that requiring employers to provide insurance coverage for contraception violates employers’ religious beliefs.

Springtime: Hope Helps, But It’s Not Enough

By Cindy Pearson | May 1, 2013 | Comments Off on Springtime: Hope Helps, But It’s Not Enough

“Hope springs eternal.” I always wondered exactly what was meant by that old saying. Does it mean that hope is like spring — it always comes back? Or, maybe it reflects the positive impact we feel when we see the promise of the natural world flourish anew in springtime.

NWHN Educates College Students About New Health Care Benefits

By NWHN Staff | Jan 1, 2013 | Comments Off on NWHN Educates College Students About New Health Care Benefits

College students were among the first to benefit from the new health care law’s no co-pay coverage of contraception and other women’s preventive health services. As of August 1, 2012, all new health insurance plans must cover key women’s preventive health care services — including contraception and HIV counseling and testing — without imposing additional costs like co-pays.

Saying Thank You and Asking for More

By Cindy Pearson | Jan 1, 2013 | Comments Off on Saying Thank You and Asking for More

Shortly before the end of 2012, in one whirlwind 24-hour period, I got a chance to talk to both President Obama and to Kathleen Sebelius, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Both of these opportunities came during holiday parties: one at the White House and one in HHS’s D.C. headquarters.

Contraceptive Safety Concerns: What’s a Responsible Feminist to Do?

By Amy Allina | May 1, 2012 | Comments Off on Contraceptive Safety Concerns: What’s a Responsible Feminist to Do?

Here in the U.S., we aren’t very good at talking about contraception. In fact, we’re usually down-right terrible at it! Recent conservative attacks have focused public attention on how universally accepted contraceptive use is in this country, which may make it a little easier for us to talk about. But, these attacks have serious downsides for the contraceptive conversation, too.

Put a Ring On It!

By Keely Monroe | Mar 1, 2012 | Comments Off on Put a Ring On It!

Cities around the country are making sure that more women stay healthy and sexy by telling them to “put a ring on it”! What type of ring, you may ask? We aren’t talking about the kind Beyoncé warned men they better give their ladies or get kicked to the curb; we’re talking about the new and improved female condom.

Thank You, Health Reform!

By Cindy Pearson | Mar 1, 2012 | Comments Off on Thank You, Health Reform!

As I write this column, health care reform is under attack in Congress. Opponents of reform have seized upon one specific women’s health issue and are using it to try to undermine the entire effort. Sound familiar? It should. Almost exactly two years ago, health care reform opponents used a specific women’s health issue to try to stop the reform process altogether.

Not Your Mother’s IUD: Risks and Benefit’s of Modern IUDs

By NWHN Staff | Jan 1, 2011 | Comments Off on Not Your Mother’s IUD: Risks and Benefit’s of Modern IUDs

I had an Intrauterine Devices (IUD) in the 70s, when a feminist outcry exposed serious problems caused by the Dalkon Shield IUD, including infertility, uterine perforation, and death. The Dalkon Shield was removed from the market and its manufacturer declared bankruptcy after paying millions of dollars in malpractice settlements.

Medicaid Coverage of Plan B Over the Counter: New York State’s Experience

By NWHN Staff | May 1, 2009 | Comments Off on Medicaid Coverage of Plan B Over the Counter: New York State’s Experience

Advocates fought for years to make emergency contraception available over-the-counter so that women could have convenient and timely access to this contraceptive option when they needed it. But removing the prescription requirement created a new barrier for some women.