"Viagra Versus the Pill;" Should Insurance Cover Both?

Lisa Campo-Engelstein, Ph.D. of Albany Medical College posted an illuminating piece regarding the hypocrisy behind the fact that Viagra is covered by insurance, yet there is a constant brouhaha over the coverage of birth control pills.  Far be it from me to imply that healthy sexuality is elective; I understand how vital healthy sexual potency is for well-being of individuals and relationships.  But it does seem as if there is an unfair balance in that regard.  If sexual potency is important, isn't also choosing when or when not to become parents?  Especially when raising a child beyond one's means costs the taxpayer so much more?

Dr. Campo-Engelstein points out:

"Some feminists argue that part of the reason we understand and treat pregnancy and impotence differently is because we have different standards for women's and men's health, which result from the traditional gender norms at play in our society. We (as a society) expect women to adhere to norms of chastity (e.g. fall on the “virgin” side of the virgin/whore dichotomy by not having sex until marriage) and one way we do this is by limiting their access to sexual and reproductive health care. In contrast, because our notions of masculinity are tied into sexual prowess, we are more receptive to providing health care for men who are not able to maintain an erection."

Further:

"The ACA includes contraception as a form of preventive care because it recognizes the risk unintended pregnancy poses to the women, their partners, the children, and their families, as well as the public more broadly."

If the last bit is true (and it is), then why are people trying to restrict access to this vital preventative service?

It really boils down to the basics; patriarchy. The article goes into much greater detail about the misalignment of what is considered necessary healthcare for women vs men, and its potential effects on women. I highly recommend giving it a look, and tell your friends. The fight isn't over until the needs of women are considered just as important to those of men.