- Question
Should birth control be free?
Birth control has many positive impacts, including pregnancy prevention, protection from STDs, and allowing regulation of the menstrual cycle. However, these products can cost large amounts of money, the onus of payment for which is generally on women. Should these products be free, or should they cost money?
Yes, birth control should be free
This position holds that birth control should be free. It argues that no one should have to pay to prevent pregnancy — that birth control is a human right with broad health benefits, that it would reduce abortions and ease over-population, and that its current cost puts it out of reach for some.
No, birth control should not be free
This position holds that birth control should not be free. It argues the issue is more complex than cost, that free provision would be too expensive and could encourage risky sexual behaviour, reduce incentives to develop safer methods, and force religious objectors to pay.
Some forms of birth control should be free
This position holds that some forms of birth control should be free while others are not. It argues that provision should be tailored to a region's particular needs, and that cheap, easily accessible items like condoms have a stronger case for being free than costlier methods.