Birth control doesn’t cause abortions - but that misconception is blocking access

USA Today

“There's a battle being waged across the country between people who see birth control as essential for women's health, self-determination and to avoid abortions ‒ and those who claim some forms of contraception cause abortions and should not be funded by taxpayers. Birth control remains legal in all 50 states and can be purchased over the counter with no age limit. But lawmakers in at least seven states have attempted to cut off funding or scuttle bills that ensure access to some popular forms of birth control. Major medical groups and 10 health researchers interviewed by USA TODAY say there is no evidence that any of the popular forms of birth control end human lives. And some groups that oppose abortion still support the wide availability of birth control to help prevent unwanted pregnancies.

In Idaho, which has some of the most restrictive laws governing abortion and access to contraception, three Republican women, two of them lawmakers, came together to found the Idaho Contraceptive Education Network.

“The fact of the matter is that all birth control methods are essential tools to prevent pregnancy; they do not terminate existing pregnancies,” said board member Tara Malek. "We know that the majority of Republicans in Idaho support access to birth control, including IUDs and emergency contraception."

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