Long term contraceptive methods offer ideal contraception for teenagers.
For one, they are the most effective contraception device to date. Secondly,
teenagers are notoriously poor contraceptive users. Teenage women are
more likely than older women to have an accidental pregnancy while using
any given method of contraception. Because of the very little amount of
effort required by Depa-Provera or Norplant, either an injection every
three months or an hour of implantation procedures every five years, they
are virtually teen-proof.
The cost over five years makes long term synthetic hormone contraception
the most economical form of birth control. For example, the average cost
of oral contraceptives and doctor’s visits over five years is about
$1,400. Currently Depo-Provera costs $1,000 for five years of effectiveness
and Norplant generally costs about between $500 to $700. However, the
cost of Norplant in other countries is significantly less — always
under $120, and the cost should have been substantially lowered in 1995.
The actual cost to make and market the device is sixteen dollars. Because
of the difference in potential cost and that most teens do not care about
the convenience in reversing contraceptive methods, Norplant presently
is more desirable than Depo-Provera for a cost-effective teenage pregnancy
deterring policy.
There is an obvious argument for supplying teenagers with subsidized Norplant
systems. This policy will protecting the health, welfare, and future of
the teenagers. Most teens do not intend to become pregnant. Becoming pregnant
subjects the mother to many health risks. Likewise, since teenage parenting
generally subjects mothers to a higher risk of socioeconomic disadvantage
throughout their lives, most teenagers do not want to become pregnant.
Supplying teenagers with Norplant systems is a win — win situation.
The state will drastically reduce the number of teenage pregnancies and
consequently the costs spent on them. Teenagers will have fewer health
risks, better educational opportunities, and better career options, than
if they did not have access to contraception and become teenage parents.
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