Millions of women may soon gain free access to a broad menu of birth control methods, thanks to a recommendation issued today by health experts advising the federal government. An Institute of Medicine panel recommended that the government require health insurance companies to cover birth control for women as a preventive service, without copayments. Contraception—along with such care as diabetes tests during pregnancy and screening for the virus that causes cervical cancer—was one of eight recommended preventive services for women. President Barack Obama’s health care law already requires most health plans to provide standard preventive care for people of both sexes at no additional charge to patients. The women’s health recommendations were considered so sensitive that the nonpartisan institute was asked to examine the issue and report back. IOM advises the government on complex issues related to medical science and health care policy. A half-century after the introduction of the birth control pill, the IOM recommendations may help to usher in another revolution. Medical experts say easier access could start a shift to more reliable forms of long-acting birth control, such as implants or IUDs, which are gaining acceptance in other economically developed countries.
First, expect a fight over social mores. Catholic bishops and some other religious and social conservatives say pregnancy is a healthy condition and that the government should not require insurance coverage of drugs and other methods that prevent it. However, short of repealing provisions of the health care law, it’s unclear what opponents can do to block the recommendations.
