Access to contraception is central to women's autonomy and equality.  Contraception is basic health care and should be treated as such as a matter of public policy.  The average woman will spend five years pregnant or trying to get pregnant, and nearly three decades trying to avoid pregnancy.   Without contraception she would have between 12 and 15 pregnancies.  Her body and the very course of her life would be governed almost solely by reproduction.  Access to contraception is critical. 

Laws promoting insurance coverage for contraception are crucial to protecting and promoting women’s health.  By guaranteeing that insurers cover prescription contraception to the same extent as other drugs, contraceptive equity laws help ensure women’s access to birth control and ultimately prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce the need for abortion.  Today, 26 states now ensure that health-insurance plans that cover prescription drugs provide equitable coverage for contraceptives through laws, regulations, or legal opinions.  Policymakers and advocates must continue to advocate for contraceptive equity laws to help ensure women’s access to this basic health care need.     

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