Let’s look at this objectively (or as objectively I am capable of when it comes to the stupidtity of others):
Birth control allows women to responsibly manage their own reproduction, and access to contraceptives such as the Pill have been shown to drastically decrease the number of unwanted pregnancies and the number of abortions. By contrast, Viagra gives men facing erectile dysfunction the ability to have sex. Mostly, these are men who are not looking to have children (as they tend to be older), but want to use the drug for recreational sex. Which is more important for insurance companies to cover? The answer ought to be pretty clear. But is it clear to presidential nominee John McCain?
In a recent interview in Portsmouth, Ohio, Senator McCain refused to answer whether he thought it was fair that many insurance plans would cover Viagra but wouldn’t cover birth control. Is this what we want in a President - someone who won’t place women’s health above men’s pleasure?
7 responses so far ↓
1 Ana @ Chica & Pumuckl // Jul 11, 2008 at 4:13 am
I have passed the “Just plain Fun to read” award on you
http://chica-pumuckl.blogspot.com/2008/07/meme-for-me-award.html
2 Charles // Jul 11, 2008 at 4:34 am
What insurance companies won’t cover birth control? That’s disgusting.
Seriously, if an insurance company won’t cover birth control, they deserve to be out of business.
The only way for them to be run out of business is by switching to companies that will cover birth control.
If you (or anyone else for that matter) have a list of companies that won’t cover birth control, would you mind sending it to me?
3 Jen W // Jul 11, 2008 at 8:15 am
Wow- that was painful to watch him stumbling around like that.
4 Jennifer // Jul 11, 2008 at 11:00 am
That is why this country finally needed a female president and why Hillary should have gotten the nomination. We need to start setting priorities right here and with men always in charge I don’t know if that will ever happen.
5 Jai // Jul 11, 2008 at 11:11 pm
The things that are obvious to the general public and not so for politicians amaze me. They are sometimes so busy trying to please everyone they don’t even take the time to give a smart answer! Or he’s so old himself he doesn’t see what the big deal is about getting covered for his Viagara.
6 Steve // Jul 13, 2008 at 9:36 am
Actually, both drugs are intended to allow someone to comfortably take part in sexual activities. The difference? With erectile dysfunction, men cannot perform the act due to a physical problem. Their only alternative is to not have sex.
Getting pregnant is a normal function of the female body. It is not a condition that needs to be treated. It is not a physical problem that causes a woman to get pregnant.
Hence, many insurance companies treat a problem (ie erectile dysfunction) but do not cover the process of getting around natural functions of a healthy body (ie birth control, stomach staples, or cosmetic surgery).
So while I understand the emotional clause of your argument, medically you are suggesting that there is a comparison between treating a medical condition and catering to an individuals wants. Worse yet, you are suggesting that the candidate is opposed to womens rights because he doesn’t advocate special rights for women. After all, my insurance company doesn’t supply me with condoms either.
7 netta // Jul 14, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I worked for a major health insurance company for eight years. They covered several health plans, and it’s the COMPANY that decides the level of coverage they will offer. Some plans will cover birth control and some won’t — it’s the employer that decides what goes in the package.
While I understand Steve’s point about “medical necessity”, it boggles my mind to equate erectile dysfunction with birth control. There are many reasons for the Pill — regulating periods, reducing unwanted pregnancies, treating hormonal problems. That’s a lot different than making sure an older gentleman has the opportunity to get it on one last time before he goes. Unwanted pregnancies have an impact on society much greater than another hard dick.
Pardon my French.
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