FCCB Opposes Measure Piloting Contraception Program

In a  letter to SB 410 sponsor, Senator Lori Berman (District 31, Boynton Beach), FCCB shared its concerns with a proposal requiring the Florida Department of Health to establish a long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) pilot program in Duval, Hillsborough, and Palm Beach counties. FCCB's correspondence cited the following: 

• Contraceptive use does not decrease abortion
  Proponents of SB 410 may suggest that expanding access to contraception decreases unplanned pregnancies and, by extension, abortion. However, there is no correlation between better access to contraception and lower abortion rates. 
• Contraception is harmful to women
  LARCs provide no protection against sexually transmitted diseases and LARC usage, particularly among teen girls, is correlated with an increased number of sexual partners. There are also numerous potential risks and adverse side effects.
• Negative effects of widespread contraceptive use on women, children and family life 
  While many welcomed contraception in the 1960s with its promises of better marriages, fewer unintended pregnancies and fewer abortions, the cultural evidence shows a contrary result. 

SB 410 passed its first committee of reference, Senate Heath Policy (8-1), and is scheduled to be heard by the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services on Tuesday, April 16.