What is Title X & Why Does it Matter to Women & Families?

I wonder how many Americans even know what Title X is?

It impacts so many aspects of family life; from birth control to family planning and health care for women, especially low income women as well as many other vital areas of life. However, these important factors in the life of women are at risk whenever Title X is at risk as it is now; especially for those with low income (see below video for more information!). And though I can't stress enough how abortion is not a bad thing nor does it make you a bad woman; common sense tells us that, abortion -like most medical procedures- is not something most women jump up and down with joy over. Perhaps afterwards as I did, but not before.

Preventing abortion is a good theory; but abortion should not be neglected due to forcing a woman to give birth, thus putting herself and the potential child in a situation neither deserve to be in; one that will only harm them both. Abortion should never be neglected at the cost of adoption or suffering through life with an unwanted child; both are prices too high to pay. Preventing self-induced abortion is the best outcome of Title X, helping young families plan their future among countless other health care services provided are just a few of the benefits offered to women via Title X. So what exactly is Title X?

Let's start with the easiest method of explaining:

Birth Control & Title X At Risk -Learn More Here!

Title X is a big concern for women; and it's at risk, like too many other topics regrading our freedom as independent, intelligent women. Among other things, Title X supports family planning and is a means for women in poverty or need to obtain help when in need of buying birth control. Sadly birth control is insanely expensive -especially, if like me, you are uninsured. Actually, as the below video states, Title X is a huge help to those of us who can't afford health insurance as sixty-four percent of those Title X help are also uninsured. I buy my birth control online as it's cheaper and more convenient (here is a list of accredited online pharmacies).

When staying with my husband in England I find it is even easier and cheaper than the states when it comes to buying birth control. Then again, in England they treat birth control as it should be treated; a pill for a responsible woman to take in order to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Additionally, in England the NHS takes care of abortions up to 21 weeks...thus treating women with respect and treating abortion for what it truly is; and that is nothing more than a medical procedure- by no means is abortion murder! America could learn a lot from England when it comes to health care and women. No system is perfect, but at least they treat their women with respect and offer a safe and legally secure place to abort, as opposed to how things are here in the states. It's embarrassing how ignorant and horrible certain groups act towards women who don't want to get or remain pregnant. Anti-choicers may be active in England too, but at least they are not as filled with mindless rage like in the states; and at least there women don't have to worry about having a safe, legal and affordable abortion. But I digress... Birth control and Title X! According to research, women not covered with health insurance are looking at spending anywhere from $20.00 to over $137.00 a month to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancy. This article states the following on why prices vary, and give some good tips on how to save when buying the pill:

"Why do prices vary so much? Well, pharmacies can charge whatever they want, and they’re familiar with consumer buying patterns. So even when a brand drug becomes generic, and therefore cheaper for the pharmacy to buy, the high price often sticks around. Dr. Leslie Ramirez, a Chicago M.D. who runs a price comparison site, has made an in-depth study of drug pricing. She writes on her blog: “Patients are used to paying a high price for branded medications, and pharmacies know this. So when a new generic becomes available, many pharmacies discount the medication, but only by a small fraction as little as 10- 15%. However, the patient buying the prescription sees the new generic medication is somewhat cheaper and appreciates paying a little less for it.” In late March, Ramirez found the generic version of Lipitor for $17 at a Chicago area Costco, and $153 at Walgreens."

No matter... Whether you're insured or not, if you care about women and our reproductive rights as well as our basic rights as intelligent beings to make our own choices regarding our lives and bodies, Title X is something you need to be aware of and become active about...