I am a primary care physician who prescribes and places contraceptive devices. When I have a discussion with an individual about what contraceptive options are best for them, we discuss how well it works, possible side effects, and cost. Prior to the Affordable Care Act, cost was a large determining factor in many people’s decisions to avoid long acting reversible contraceptives (like IUDS and implants) as they easily cost over $1,000 for the product and office visits. Since the ACA, these options have grown in popularity and it’s wonderful to be able to make them a real choice for patients from all backgrounds for contraception, as well as for other medical reasons such as heavy periods and anemia. These are powerful choices women are making about their bodies. They are able to decide to become pregnant at a time when they are ready to have children. These are choices that a person can make in order to avoid surgeries like a hysterectomy.

Since November, people are rushing to get long term reversible contraception out of fear that they will soon be denied coverage for these options. If Oregon can manage to ensure continued contraception coverage, that will be a considerable service to many in our state.