HOW MANY IS TOO MANY?

There were multiple statistics on the actual number of unplanned pregnancies that exist in the United States. Mississippi has the highest rate with 4 out of 10.  Another survey suggests one-third of all children born in the United States were unplanned. Interestingly enough, another category was included, untimed or mis-timed pregnancies. Seeing that some contraceptives such as the pill are only 99 percent effective, that one percent can also account for an unplanned pregnancy. Obviously, if you are using any form of contraception, a pregnancy can be construed as unplanned or untimed. These pregnancies are not limited to the poor or low-income women.

I have found that women can have screenings for about $45.00 from facilities such as the CommuniCare Health Center. There are clinics located in Kyle, San Marcos and San Antonio. The services are offered on a sliding fee scale and sometimes may be free depending on an individual's ability to pay. Documentation is required; therefore, some people may not want to apply. The real barrier to protection is lack of knowledge.

 Although funding will be denied for any facility that provides abortions, there is still help available. All clinics do not provide abortions.  It may take research on the part of the individual but help can be found. It is unfortunate that the shutting down of the Women's Health Program focuses on abortions. Some doctors do not accept patients with Medicaid, the military health insurance Tricare and other types of insurance. This does not stop an individual from finding a provider.

 I do agree that it is not up to the government to choose providers based on the abortion issue. However, most insurance plans have a network of doctors. It  means if you use a doctor out of network, you will pay more. The same applies to Women's Health. If the clinic provides abortions, the individual should find a clinic that does not. Governor Perry has vowed to foot the bill for the Women's Health program in the event the federal government closes its wallet.  Unplanned pregnancies are not a stigma simply because they are unplanned. This article did not specify but one would assume the issue is with unwed mothers in addition to poor mothers. However, there are married women who use the Women's Health Program. It is unfair to suggest someone who is married should monitor the growth of their family even if they use the Women's Health Program.