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The Chronicle's view: Support cheaper birth control

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Published: Thursday, November 29, 2007

Updated: Saturday, July 19, 2008

Recent changes in the health care system have made birth control more expensive for college students across America.

Last January, Medicaid increased the cost of contraceptives, making it impossible for campus pharmacies to provide birth control to students at a lowered price.

Thankfully, legislators including Jim Matheson have seen the problems the increased cost of birth control causes and are trying to change it. Matheson is co-sponsoring the Prevention through Affordable Access Act which, if passed, would once again lower the cost of contraceptives for college students across the nation.

Although some might not see or need the benefits of inexpensive birth control, there are a great deal of sexually active college students who will be unburdened by receiving a lowered price.

It's hard to afford basic needs while attending college. When one adds the costs of tuition, books, rent, food and incidentals, it's hard to imagine having to spend an extra $30 dollars on birth control. If the increased price of that added expense keeps one from making the purchase, the results could be undesirable and possibly detrimental for someone trying to get an education.

Kudos to Students for Choice, a campus group supporting the bill, and anyone else who has taken the time to make this issue an important one for students at the U. Although it might not affect every student on campus, it's important to recognize an important issue and support the greater good.

letters@chronicle.utah.edu