One of the most confusing points conservatives make regarding women’s rights in The United States is the one of cost. The idea that it is too costly to make birth control easily accessible or free is convoluted.   A responsible woman who knows using protection is a better alternative to unwanted pregnancy should be denied birth control just because she can’t afford it?

Sex is a natural part of being human. By their 19th birthday, seven in ten female and male teens have had intercourse. Being responsible enough to know that you are not prepared to have a child and taking measures to prevent pregnancy should be viewed as a responsible line of thinking. The idea is that providing the precautionary tools to prevent these pregnancies should be worth the money spent. The alternative could be much more costly.

Denying a woman access to birth control and making abortion illegal would result in women being forced to have babies. These subsequent births could result in years of financial assistance provided by the government and risk of neglected or displaced children. Years of government assistance and/or children being placed in the custody of child services (thus making the financial responsibility of the government) would prove far more costly than providing birth control to women.

The idea that providing birth control to women is too costly seems ridiculous considering the current alternatives in place. Providing access to birth control and funding to organizations like Planned Parenthood promotes responsibility and healthy sexual behavior. It also cuts the cost of potential long-term support that result from the huge increase in unwanted pregnancies.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. – Benjamin Franklin.