The GOP Health Bill Is an Attack on Our Sexual Rights
June 30, 2017When the American Health Care Act(AHCA) passed the House, my first thought was: Shit, would I have to stop having sex?
The AHCA, the bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act, commonly called Obamacare, will roll back advances the previous administration made in increasing access to preventive services, including contraception. To name just one, the Obamacare repeal bill does not require states to cover birth control as an essential health benefit.
I have an intrauterine device (IUD) that expires soon. My IUD was covered by my insurance plan under Obamacare. If the AHCA takes effect—or if the administration guts it through regulatory action—it could cost me $1,000 for a replacement.
I feel the opposite of what I felt in January 2013, when I found out my birth control did not require a copay. Whereas I was relieved my birth control would finally be affordable, now I am uneasy about affording the birth control of my choice. This discomfort mirrors my apprehension of visiting a doctor and talking to her about birth control in the first place.