Recent Polling Finds Overwhelming Public Support for Contraceptive Equity
Friday, February 12, 2010 NARAL Report: Contraceptive Equity Policy Provides Health Benefits Recent Polling Found Overwhelming Public Support for Enacting Policy SIOUX FALLS, SD – A 2010 report released today by NARAL Pro-Choice South Dakota details the need for and public health benefits from enacting a contraceptive equity policy in South Dakota. The report was released the day before the State House Commerce Committee is expected to consider HB 1156, a bill that would establish a contraceptive equity mandate in the state. “Research compiled by NARAL over the past several months demonstrates conclusively the need for a contraceptive equity policy in South Dakota,” said Casey Murschel, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice South Dakota. “Unintended pregnancy can have serious health consequences for both a woman and her child. Passing HB 1156 would improve access to contraception – reducing the incidence of unintended pregnancy while ensuring women can access whatever specific form of birth control is right for her.” In the past, insurance industry representatives have opposed contraceptive equity measures as an unnecessary “mandate”. The NARAL report reveals that compared to the rest of the country, South Dakota law currently contains relatively few “mandates” – which serve as a consumer protection for the most vital health services. “Contraceptive equity laws are called mandates by insurance companies,” Murschel continued. “But consumers consider such laws a guarantee. It gives the public confidence that the services they need will be included in their insurance plan.” Additional highlights from the report are as follows: Public Support: A late-2009 poll found that 66.3% of South Dakotans support a law to guarantee insurance coverage for contraception. Substantial Need: 83,310 women in South Dakota are in need of contraceptive services. SD in the Minority: Twenty-seven other states have passed contraceptive equity laws and all federal employees are guaranteed insurance coverage for contraception. Benefits Women’s Health: Contraceptive equity laws improve access to contraception for use in preventing unintended pregnancy and treating a variety of other medical conditions. Cost Effective Policy: The cost associated with contraceptive coverage is modest, generally between 1% and 3%. Providing coverage pays off – contraceptives save as much as $4.07 for every dollar spent. To obtain a full copy of the report, contact Casey Murschel at casey@prochoicesd.org or 605-334-5065.
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