Sex is a choice. With STD's at record numbers on campus maybe we should not make birth control affordability the issue. What ever happened to moral behavior. I am fat and need affordable access to donuts is just as dumb as I am loose and need affordable birth control at tax payer expense. It is cheaper and healthier for all concerned that you curtail your sexual permisquity until you are married and then limit yourself to your spouse. People like you expect everyone else to pay your way and you have zero accountability for your actions. Keep your feet on the ground instead of in the air and have some respect for yourself.

Originally posted by

Katy Stewart

Excellent article, and calling Senator Hutchinson's office is so very easy. Call 202-224-5922 and speak to the Legislative Aide on the phone that you support the Prevention through Affordable Access bill and that as a constituent you would like her to be a co-sponsor. Keep in mind, while at A&M, while living here and going to school you are a constituent of Senator Hutchison - how she votes on legislation directly affects you.

Anytime I call and speak to a Senator or US Reps office, usually the legislative aide takes my name and address and my position on the bill. It takes maybe 2 minutes of my time. Be sure you use your school address when calling.

Thanks so very very much to Kelly Kay Clark for bringing this issue to my attention.

Katy Stewart
Class of 1997

Shame on you.

You know absolutely nothing about me or even whether I take contraceptions or choose abstinence. Why don't you get a prescription for that case of myopia you seem to have. Oh, and while you are at it...why don't you take that HUGE "log" out of your eye.

Katy Stewart
Class of 1997

Way to go Mike, very well said! What a nice emotion response Katy... bottom line: Buy your own pills for whatever reason. That is your business, and I would die to protect your right, but I'm not going to pay for it. From my cold, dead fingers! Do you realize that you're talking about using the military and police to forcefully steal money from people to pay for your pills? That's what's being discussed here. So don't be so shocked when people get justifiably MAD AS HELL about it. Wars have started over a lot less.

Originally posted by

Katy Stewart

Excellent article, and calling Senator Hutchinson's office is so very easy. Call 202-224-5922 and speak to the Legislative Aide on the phone that you support the Prevention through Affordable Access bill and that as a constituent you would like her to be a co-sponsor. Keep in mind, while at A&M, while living here and going to school you are a constituent of Senator Hutchison - how she votes on legislation directly affects you.

Anytime I call and speak to a Senator or US Reps office, usually the legislative aide takes my name and address and my position on the bill. It takes maybe 2 minutes of my time. Be sure you use your school address when calling.

Thanks so very very much to Kelly Kay Clark for bringing this issue to my attention.

Katy Stewart
Class of 1997

Originally posted by

Craig

Let's be honest now. What percentage of college-aged women are taking these birth control pills to regulate their cycles (other than for reasons to prevent pregnancy) or to treat cysts? The number of women taking birth control today to prevent pregnancey is staggering. There is a more natural way of doing this. But the problem our society has with abstinence, is it doesn't feel as nice. Birth control is just one more way for our generation to write off any form of consequences.

Abstinence is a more natural way?!?!? WTF!? The "natural" way is down and dirty sex without contraceptives and both woman and man enjoying it like hot screaming sweaty animals. And that ain't no porno either.

Sex is the means of procreation. It is instilled in our DNA over millions of years. Do you honestly think that preaching abstinence will change all of that evolution? How naive. I guess, however, you can think that way you if you do not believe in evolution.

Originally posted by

Craig

Let's be honest now. What percentage of college-aged women are taking these birth control pills to regulate their cycles (other than for reasons to prevent pregnancy) or to treat cysts? The number of women taking birth control today to prevent pregnancey is staggering. There is a more natural way of doing this. But the problem our society has with abstinence, is it doesn't feel as nice. Birth control is just one more way for our generation to write off any form of consequences.

Actually, the vast majority of the girls I know who are on birth control are on it for other reasons than to prevent pregnancy. It makes for lighter, shorter periods and reduces a lot of the side effects that make us rather unpleasant during that time of the month. It helps regulate abnormal menstrual cycles and has many proven medical benefits as well.

Originally posted by

Craig

Let's be honest now. What percentage of college-aged women are taking these birth control pills to regulate their cycles (other than for reasons to prevent pregnancy) or to treat cysts? The number of women taking birth control today to prevent pregnancey is staggering. There is a more natural way of doing this. But the problem our society has with abstinence, is it doesn't feel as nice. Birth control is just one more way for our generation to write off any form of consequences.

I only read your first sentence, and that's it. I will admit I take Birth Control which costs me $50 a month, not that I'm complaining or anything because it's cheaper than the pain killers, muscle relaxers, etc that I used to have to take to ease the pain of those monthly visits. Birth control is the ONLY thing that has helped me, so there are women out there taking this for reasons other than just to prevent pregnancy.

Originally posted by

Kyle

Since when is birth control something a woman needs? It is something women WANT. Nobody is telling you to have sex and there are many other drugs to help treat cysts. Stop hounding the government and tax payers to pay for your medication. Health care is a privilege in this great democracy not a right. If you want cheaper drugs visit non profit organizations that offer free or reduced health care. Buy a condom and stop asking the government to force drug companies to charge less. Drug companies are not evil and they are out to make a profit like every other business in the world. Because of their "greed", Lance Armstrong beat cancer, and so many of the great drugs on the market today are a result from their making a profit. They have a right to charge you $50 a month for "optional" birth control and that is why they do it because it IS optional. It is not necessary so those that can afford it and want to be on it will pay that cost to have it. The people who can not will either abstain or buy a condom. If you are deciding between birth control and groceries, then you need to reassess your priorities. I am tired of our nanny government giving welfare to all at the same time taking away our rights little by little. This is not what our government was made for and I have no sympathy for those who exploit it. Less regulation and control will result in a better free market and cheaper drugs in the future.

You may be right about b.c. being optional. Cancer treatment though? NOT OPTIONAL, yet it costs a lot money. So you think rich people deserve to beat cancer (b/c they can afford the treatment) yet poor people don't. Oh yeah, I'm sure it's their fault their poor and they could easily change if they wanted. Right. Government should step in in such cases to provide a balance of power. The government is around to protect the people right, not business?

Originally posted by

Kyle

Since when is birth control something a woman needs? It is something women WANT. Nobody is telling you to have sex and there are many other drugs to help treat cysts. Stop hounding the government and tax payers to pay for your medication. Health care is a privilege in this great democracy not a right. If you want cheaper drugs visit non profit organizations that offer free or reduced health care. Buy a condom and stop asking the government to force drug companies to charge less. Drug companies are not evil and they are out to make a profit like every other business in the world. Because of their "greed", Lance Armstrong beat cancer, and so many of the great drugs on the market today are a result from their making a profit. They have a right to charge you $50 a month for "optional" birth control and that is why they do it because it IS optional. It is not necessary so those that can afford it and want to be on it will pay that cost to have it. The people who can not will either abstain or buy a condom. If you are deciding between birth control and groceries, then you need to reassess your priorities. I am tired of our nanny government giving welfare to all at the same time taking away our rights little by little. This is not what our government was made for and I have no sympathy for those who exploit it. Less regulation and control will result in a better free market and cheaper drugs in the future.

You know what is cheaper than babies? Birth control. And you know who rely on government welfare most heavily to support themselves and their babies? Poor people, like the ones who might need help to buy birth control. Would you rather the government pay for unplanned babies, or help make birth control more readily available? In a perfect world, yeah, the government would need to do neither, but guess what, this is not a perfect world. You can rail all you want about personal responsibility, etc etc, but that's not going to solve the problems of a rapidly growing underclass that will increasingly affect all of us. We need real solutions, not your ideological bs.

Originally posted by

Kyle

Since when is birth control something a woman needs? It is something women WANT. Nobody is telling you to have sex and there are many other drugs to help treat cysts. Stop hounding the government and tax payers to pay for your medication. Health care is a privilege in this great democracy not a right. If you want cheaper drugs visit non profit organizations that offer free or reduced health care. Buy a condom and stop asking the government to force drug companies to charge less. Drug companies are not evil and they are out to make a profit like every other business in the world. Because of their "greed", Lance Armstrong beat cancer, and so many of the great drugs on the market today are a result from their making a profit. They have a right to charge you $50 a month for "optional" birth control and that is why they do it because it IS optional. It is not necessary so those that can afford it and want to be on it will pay that cost to have it. The people who can not will either abstain or buy a condom. If you are deciding between birth control and groceries, then you need to reassess your priorities. I am tired of our nanny government giving welfare to all at the same time taking away our rights little by little. This is not what our government was made for and I have no sympathy for those who exploit it. Less regulation and control will result in a better free market and cheaper drugs in the future.

I don't know what's so great about a democracy that does not keep its citizens as healthy as possible. France, Canada, and Cuba all know how to treat their citizens, why isn't our government taking care of ours?

You obviously did not read Kelly's whole article as it clearly states that money is not being taken from tax payers and is certainly not a government hand out. Pharmaceutical companies will simply be charging less and making less of a profit than before.

For many, birth control is not an option. I am taking birth control because it regulates my period, makes it lighter and more manageable. Without birth control I could very well miss a whole day of classes due to the pain in my lower abdomen that comes along with that time of the month. I'm talking about near-fainting, lay-in-your-bed-all-day-because-you-simply-can't-bring-yourself-to-move pain. Do you get that every month? I didn't think so.

Adult women should not be forced to abstain just because they can't afford birth control. Two methods of birth control are much better than one and guarantee that if the condom breaks or just simply fails you still have something to fall back on besides welfare for the birth of your unplanned child. At least try to put yourself in the person's shoes that these Acts most closely affect. Do you think poor women (including poor college students) can take the chance of having a condom break? I know I can't. And I shouldn't have to give up being intimate with my long term boyfriend just because the price of birth control went up for some bull shit reason that isn't even having an affect on the deficit it was written to relieve.

Save sex for Mariage. Some people may respond that I am "naive," but the reality is that God calls us share our bodies with our spouse for the glorification of his love for us.

Marriage and Marital Intercourse
An excerpt from Love and Responsibility by Karol Wojtyla pp. 270-278

Here Wojtyla is principally concerned with making males aware of the very different way in which sexual excitement reaches its climax in females than in males. He argues that "from the point of view of another person, from the altruistic standpoint, it is necessary to insist that intercourse must not serve merely as a means of allowing sexual excitement to reach its climax in one of the partners, i.e., the man alone, but that climax must be reached in harmony. not at the expense of one partner, but with both partners fully involved" (p. 272). In short, husbands ought to learn how to please their wives by becoming familiar with the findings of sexology in this matter. W writes: "Non-observance of these teachings of sexology in the marital relationship is contrary to the good of the other partner to the marriage and the durability and cohesion of the marriage itself" (p. 273).

I just pray the Theology of the Body will one day be know by all on earth.

God Bless

Originally posted by

Kyle

Since when is birth control something a woman needs? It is something women WANT. Nobody is telling you to have sex and there are many other drugs to help treat cysts. Stop hounding the government and tax payers to pay for your medication. Health care is a privilege in this great democracy not a right. If you want cheaper drugs visit non profit organizations that offer free or reduced health care. Buy a condom and stop asking the government to force drug companies to charge less. Drug companies are not evil and they are out to make a profit like every other business in the world. Because of their "greed", Lance Armstrong beat cancer, and so many of the great drugs on the market today are a result from their making a profit. They have a right to charge you $50 a month for "optional" birth control and that is why they do it because it IS optional. It is not necessary so those that can afford it and want to be on it will pay that cost to have it. The people who can not will either abstain or buy a condom. If you are deciding between birth control and groceries, then you need to reassess your priorities. I am tired of our nanny government giving welfare to all at the same time taking away our rights little by little. This is not what our government was made for and I have no sympathy for those who exploit it. Less regulation and control will result in a better free market and cheaper drugs in the future.

Finally someone out there who gets it. A LOT of women take BCP for medical reasons. Men will not understand the excruciating pain that some of us endure. Having sore achy breasts as though you had done 1000 pushup the day before, have cramps so bad that you can't stand up and spending a day or two with your head in the toilet because you are puking your guts out. Yes, I would live without the BCP that I have taken since I was 16. BUT my life would be more miserable. And I would be much less productive, and would have missed a lot more school. And as she mentioned, 2 forms of birth control are better than one. So gentleman, until you start having periods and understand that the pill is in fact used by many women as a way to make our PMS better, and if you are insistent on us NOT having the pill to help out, then get ready for us to be a lot MORE bithcy, because it help out with that too.

Plus, if you are so damn sensitive about it, then don't read the article. I don't know what planet you live on, but preaching abstinence to a bunch of kids (tweens or college age) is not going to stop people from doing what they want. And keep in mind that generally all of the women who are receiving the discounted BCP are adults and free to do what they want. So keep your ideological abstinence chatter to yourself.

Originally posted by

Ames

You may be right about b.c. being optional. Cancer treatment though? NOT OPTIONAL, yet it costs a lot money. So you think rich people deserve to beat cancer (b/c they can afford the treatment) yet poor people don't. Oh yeah, I'm sure it's their fault their poor and they could easily change if they wanted. Right. Government should step in in such cases to provide a balance of power. The government is around to protect the people right, not business?

Government intervention has always been a success and always makes things better than before. (sarcasm)

Originally posted by

Charlie

"It's terrible because these are students who are working very hard to pay for their tuition and books at a time when tuition costs are edging up as well." Oh no! What shall we do?! Good grief, I seriously hope this woman realizes how ridiculous she sounds.

Birth control falls under "basic health care for women?!!" HA! Give me a break. Why don't we throw in hand bags and high heels too! Then we'll have: hand bags, high heels, food, clothing, shelter, and birth control; everything a growing woman needs! Kyle said it best, if you have to choose between groceries or closing your legs, you might have a problem upstairs. You think that some of these women wake up in the morning and say to their partners "Hey, last night was great, do you think you could spot me a couple of meal plans today? I spent most of the money on birth control, and now I can't eat." I can see it now, pretty soon women all over this campus will be forced to prostitute themselves out for meal plans and dining dollars to support their growing addiction. It's an epidemic folks, send a message to Washington, call FEMA, there's a bunch of hungry hungry ho's(spelled hos) running around our campus. It's this kind of government handout mentality that perpetuates the welfare state of mind, "O Woe is me, I can't do anything for myself and I need the government and their never ending supply of tax dollars and growing debt." If it's really that much of a hassle spending money on either birth control or food, do us all a favor and take a financial management class, and quit asking for government aid.

Really, Really? Come on kid are you a T-sip or just plain ignorant. Ignorant of course means that you ignore the truth versus simply being uninformed. First off you can find no proof, because its not there, that the government EVER subsidized the sale of birth control at A&M, if you can I will remove my post, or issue a redaction. Second, the price controls initially in place were fair allowing the drug companies to make money, which the should be allowed to do, yet still making the necessary, and it is necessary even the past three surgeon generals have recommended a birth control regiment as a means of promoting better health in females, medication affordable for patients. The way this works is drug companies are provided tax incentives, not subsidies it's the difference between giving more and taking less WHOOP for taking less, to provide bulk prescriptions, not just birth control, to facilities supporting sectors of society deemed at a higher risk for health problems which can lead to economic slow down. Think of it this way the same thing is done for flu vaccines and old people because if the oldies get sick then it is a strain on the economy especially if the government is footing the bill, or even the families, oddly enough I didn't see your rant against that in your welfare state diatribe...I digress. Like wise students unable to go to their work or class also constitutes a similar, though slightly different, propensity for economic slow down, everything is about economics. So that should answer your, oddly strong, fears about the government subsidizing birth control and economic priorities, etc. Side bar college kids aren't made of money and with only a finite amount of capitol rational choices must be made and if there is more value in a day of class, because it costs more, than in a meal then the rational decision is to purchase the birth control. You'll get to economics your sophomore year I'm sure. Hopefully this helps, though if as I suspect you are ignorant, i.e. ignore the truth, then I doubt this will help. Finally, you're a dude, I'm a dude we really don't know what its like. If this pain is real and does stop them from performing, which it seems to, then I'm all in favor of making it affordable ESPECIALLY SINCE IT DOESN'T COST ME A DIME. If it were COSTING you money I could understand you're frustration, but its not and you would have to prove to me it was, which you can't, in order for me to grant your argument credence. I for one am glad women are mature enough to look at the medical evidence for the efficacy of the pill and not just listen to what uninformed ranters have to say. Furthermore I like women to be less bitchy I see that as a good thing, now if that's how all women always treat you, which with your opinions wouldn't surprise me, then you obviously wouldn't be able to tell the difference, but I can and appreciate it. Since I have this opportunity I want to respond to half of the other posts from some Aggie. Hey we are adults you want to be abstinent good for you I don't care. If women, or men, want to engage in consenting sexual behavior good for them I don't care. You see the fact of the matter is I have enough of my own business I don't need to mind to that of others, I guess that's not how everyone operates. As for pushing "morality" on others. It's important to realize Jesus didn't push his views on you he stood as a beacon for you to follow, so why push your version of "morality" on others? You think you know more than Jesus? Aren't you called to follow his example? I think you are so please hold yourself in a manner consistent with his teachings, or that of any religion you adhere to, and let people make their own choices. Their maker will deal with it when the time is right, but most importantly YOU will not.

Originally posted by

Charlie

"It's terrible because these are students who are working very hard to pay for their tuition and books at a time when tuition costs are edging up as well." Oh no! What shall we do?! Good grief, I seriously hope this woman realizes how ridiculous she sounds.

Birth control falls under "basic health care for women?!!" HA! Give me a break. Why don't we throw in hand bags and high heels too! Then we'll have: hand bags, high heels, food, clothing, shelter, and birth control; everything a growing woman needs! Kyle said it best, if you have to choose between groceries or closing your legs, you might have a problem upstairs. You think that some of these women wake up in the morning and say to their partners "Hey, last night was great, do you think you could spot me a couple of meal plans today? I spent most of the money on birth control, and now I can't eat." I can see it now, pretty soon women all over this campus will be forced to prostitute themselves out for meal plans and dining dollars to support their growing addiction. It's an epidemic folks, send a message to Washington, call FEMA, there's a bunch of hungry hungry ho's(spelled hos) running around our campus. It's this kind of government handout mentality that perpetuates the welfare state of mind, "O Woe is me, I can't do anything for myself and I need the government and their never ending supply of tax dollars and growing debt." If it's really that much of a hassle spending money on either birth control or food, do us all a favor and take a financial management class, and quit asking for government aid.

Married women are on birth control, too. And- shocker!- some of them want to be intimate with their husbands, but don't feel that they are ready for parenthood. Telling women- that you don't even know- to "keep their legs closed" is offensive and judgmental.

Originally posted by

Paul

You're all hedonist! Besides, all those women with money must be having the time of their lives, why can't that be me???

"Oh know what have I done!" One bad decision at the bar? Nevermind. Pop. Swallow. "Up for it again next week girls?"

Please oh please Legislation, I'm tired of eating a spaghetti with ketchup and testing out for Mr. Right. I mean I'm studying for my final in candlelight here!

Seriously though, if this is a grinding decision on what you want vs. what you need, then good luck on that successful professional future. If you can't figure that out, then you don't deserve to be here.

And people wonder what it is that makes A&M so unattractive to anyone but white hicks.

Originally posted by

dave

Hey guys, sexual health is part of your overall health too. Again, kudos to the author, and I am all for affordable birth control!

No it's not.

Originally posted by

dave

Hey guys, sexual health is part of your overall health too. Again, kudos to the author, and I am all for affordable birth control!

no its not?

hope you like paying child support, asshole!

Originally posted by

Luc

I would have loved to have seen this type of outrage expressed by the gentlemen Paul, Craig, Byan, and Kyle when Viagra entered the market and almost every health insurance plan covered it either lowering or eliminating the amount of out of pocket cash spent on it.

So you can't get it up? Meh, that's part of life. Live with it. It's not necessary and certainly not crucial to your overall health.

As a man, I feel as if you gentlemen are single handedly proving the stereotype of us being insensitive pigs. Have you no compassion or some ounce of understanding of this situation? We have a situation where we have pretty strict control over our reproductive organs. Imagine never being able to touch, examine, or tell when your penis was infected, inflamed, or otherwise out of order?

Typically when women find out that something is wrong with their system it's when a problem has escalated to the point where medication- medication that could be a treatment and a regular and practical safeguard from future problems, if not for yes, the absurd costs- is necessary. Cysts, irregularity, and infections can all be reduced/treated with different types of BC. Do you really think bleeding at any given moment, accompanied with pain and discomfort, for weeks (or days) on end is pleasant or in some way NOT related to a woman's overall health?

BC has the capacity to be a social miracle- not some kind of social moral evil. It can be a low costing, health improving, drug. Why shouldn't women have this?

This is an excellent point. While most insurance companies did pick up Viagra, substantially lowering the price to insured consumers, very few covered birth control pills. Which.... makes no sense whatsoever considering prenatal care is way more expensive than bc. Go figure.

Originally posted by

John Hamilton

The question is not if people should take birth control. I believe that this is a private decision that the individual should make. The question however remains what the role of government in everyday lives is. I do not believe that the government has the duty to provide affordable contraceptives. The purchase of contraceptives in a personal choice and should be a personal decision. If you decide to purchase birth control instead of books then you need to re-evaluate your priorities (unless you have a medical condition that requires it). Whatever the purpose for the purchase of contraceptives it is in fact for 95% of users a luxury. The general public and government should not be required to provide this luxury to anyone. The government should provide for life, liberty, and property.

For 95% of users a luxury? Seriously? Wow, okay... let's all make up statistics! Truth is, because bc allows women to control their futures by deciding when and if to get pregnant, and because lots of us-- WAY more than you would think-- also need the pill for its other side effects like lighter periods, fewer mood swings, regularity, etc... the pill is hardly a luxury. Lack of available contraceptives creates social problems that eventually affect nearly every aspect of a country; by providing easily accessible pills now, the government reduces the need for more interventionist strategies later.

Originally posted by

John Hamilton

The question is not if people should take birth control. I believe that this is a private decision that the individual should make. The question however remains what the role of government in everyday lives is. I do not believe that the government has the duty to provide affordable contraceptives. The purchase of contraceptives in a personal choice and should be a personal decision. If you decide to purchase birth control instead of books then you need to re-evaluate your priorities (unless you have a medical condition that requires it). Whatever the purpose for the purchase of contraceptives it is in fact for 95% of users a luxury. The general public and government should not be required to provide this luxury to anyone. The government should provide for life, liberty, and property.

Women and the human race in general have survived thousands of years within contraceptives. The government has no duty to provide this luxury.

Originally posted by

Bob

jesus christ you guys are all morons, on both sides.

I love the battallion for its entertainment purposes.

I am NOT a mormon.

I agree with Bob, all of you are a bunch of freaking idiots! However, the idiots are what makes the batt so intertaining!!! So, keep being ignorant and idiotic!

I agree with Bob, all of you are a bunch of freaking idiots! However, the idiots are what makes the batt so entertaining!!! So, keep being ignorant and idiotic!

Spartz, you are a moron. We all know it and it's time you admitted it.

Originally posted by

Kelly Kay

And I think it is the government's responsibility to take care of its citizens.

1. How is providing contraceptives taking care of its citizens?

2. Please cite a founding father or political philosopher of relevance that would support the claim of providing contraceptives as a governmental responsibility.

3. What do you believe is the government's role in everyday life?

Dear John:

NO U.

Originally posted by

foshame

Please don't let me catch any of you dudes complaining if the government ever decides to take away the tax breaks from your church. You could save money by praying at home and buying less polo shirts.

Are you kidding? Not only does this comment not have anything to do with the bc arguement, the reason churches are given tax breaks is because they do substantial amounts of charity work and support the community - including counseling and education for women who are or may someday become pregnant.

[QUOTE]Are you kidding? Not only does this comment not have anything to do with the bc arguement, the reason churches are given tax breaks is because they do substantial amounts of charity work and support the community - including counseling and education for women who are or may someday become pregnant.[/QUOTE]

1. "argument".
2. preventing the conception of children that can't be afforded is supporting the community.
3. your argument for the government giving tax breaks to charity (helping the poor) makes you completely on my side.