Contraceptive coverage controversy

In my classmate's blog, "Humanly Correct" an article was written discussing the requirements for birth control coverage by insurance companies in Texas.  My classmate examines the blog written by Eileen Smith and discusses her concerns regarding our states plans to change the coverage women receive from their insurance companies.  The conflict in Texas is that the religious based insurance companies have strong beliefs that do not comply with women's use of birth control.

If a woman is employed through a religious institution that uses their own private insurance company for employee benefits, she should not be limited to proper coverage that would be received by any other insurance company.  Just because a certain institution has a particular religious belief, does not mean that the employees should have to abide by their religion's guidelines.  Religion should not affect the healthcare of women.

The new standards require coverage of the full range of contraceptive methods approved by the Food and Drug Administration, as well as sterilization procedures.  Among the drugs and devices that must be covered are emergency contraceptives including pills known as ella and Plan B.  This requirement would go a long way to remove costs that serve as a barrier to birth control for many women in Texas.  Providing coverage would save countless dollars and lives.  Too many women have unplanned pregnancies and cannot do anything about it.  They then end not being able to afford to raise them and end up on state assistance.  It costs taxpayers more than if the pregnancy was prevented in the first place.

Full range of contraceptive methods should be covered including emergency contraceptives such as ella and Plan B.  In addition to contraceptive services for women, the government should require to cover screenings for H.I.V, AIDS, cervical cancer, and screenings for gestational diabetes and counseling and equipment to promote breast-feeding.

There should not be stipulations on birth control due to religion or age. I think that birth control should be available to any woman at any age to prevent pregnancy.  I also think the morning after pill should be available after a consultation.  That won't eliminate all women from abusing it but maybe limits on the use per woman would prevent any injuries.  Ultimately, it is up to parents to teach children birth control.  If the family has religious reasons then it is up to the family to accept or decline precentative measures.  It is not up to an organization to make those decisions.