contraception inception: we need to go deeper

The caption reads: "What, dinner not ready yet! What have you been doing?"
Much of our culture has changed since this old anti-women's suffrage comic,
but the war against women is still a very real problem.

A question: is the recent debate regarding contraceptives an issue of women’s rights?
How I would answer: absolutely.

Another question: is the recent debate regarding contraceptives an attack on religious freedom?
How I would answer: absolutely not.

This might come as a surprise to those of you who know me. I am, after all, a very devout Christian. But I’m also very much a feminist—and no, that is not an oxymoron. Still, you may be wondering how I could defend the “feminist” stance over the more “Christian” stance, so I thought I would explain why I wholeheartedly believe that insurance companies should cover the cost of contraception despite any religious convictions.

 Let us list some of the reasons a woman might want to take birth control, shall we?

If a woman…

1. Is not physically capable of surviving a pregnancy 
2. Could not financially support a pregnancy 
3. Has a medical condition which is treated with contraception 
4. Has a medical condition which would endanger a pregnancy 
5. Is in a position where her health might be compromised by a pregnancy 
6. Is married and does not want any or more children 
7. Is single and does not currently want children 
8. Would like to experience fewer and lighter periods 
9. Experiences painful or inhibiting symptoms of premenstrual syndrome 
10. Uses contraceptives to help prevent endometrial and ovarian cancer 

…then she might talk with her doctor and explore birth control as an option.

 First of all, allow me to explain each side, as I understand it:

Why contraceptives SHOULD be provided by insurance:

1. Many women take birth control for legitimate health reasons 
2. Not all women can afford the cost of contraception 
3. Some women are married and do not currently want to start a family 
4. Some women are unmarried and do not currently want to start a family 

Why contraceptives should NOT be provided by insurance:

1. Contraception is readily available to those who take it for health reasons 
2. Contraception is inexpensive and insurance coverage isn’t even necessary 
3. This is a First Amendment issue, not a women’s rights issue 
4. The church shouldn't be forced to provide and pay for something to which they morally object 

(There is more to be said on each side, but these are the arguments I’ve most commonly heard.)

Now. Let’s discuss this.