In 2012 Melinda Gates was the co-leader of an initiative called Family Planning 2020 (FP2020), which pledged to bring contraception access to more than 225 million women around the world. Unfortunately FP2020 is behind on their goal, but Gates recently penned an op-ed for National Geographic on why she won’t give up.
The piece may begin talking about FP2020’s goal, but the piece is a great overview as to why contraceptive access is important for everyone. With GOP attacks on women’s health, the op-ed is a great reminder of why abortion access and birth control coverage shouldn’t be about politics. It’s really about human lives. She writes:
In the decade and a half since Bill and I started our foundation, I’ve heard from women all over the world about how important contraceptives are to their ability to take charge of their futures. When women are able to plan their pregnancies around their goals for themselves and their families, they are also better able to finish their education, earn an income, and fully participate in their communities.
And not only do moms benefit; their kids benefit, too. In communities where women have access to contraceptives, children stay in school longer, and entire families are healthier, wealthier and far better equipped to break the cycle of poverty.
Access to birth control makes everyone’s lives better. Period. Any arguments otherwise are NOT pro-family. Contraception might not be for everyone — and that’s ok. The point is that each patient should have a shot to decide whether it’s right for them; the reigning political party should not have any influence over whether women should worry about controlling their bodies and creating a better future.