Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sibelius, testifying before Congress, argued that insurance companies should provide free contraception because of the future consequences of reduced health insurance costs, viz., through reduced pregnancies and children.
She told the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee, “Providing contraception is a critical preventive health benefit for women and for their children,” and “The reduction in the number of pregnancies compensates for cost of contraception.”
For the fun of it, let’s accept her logic and apply it to other scenarios. What else should be free?
Condoms – obviously, because they reduce pregnancies.
Vasectomies – see above
Abortions – again, because they reduce births.
Pregnancy tests – because they identify pregnancies early, which can then lead to an abortion.
Nicotine Patches – because they help stop smoking, which is more expensive than not smoking.
Alcohol and Drug rehab – reduces complications due to addictive intoxication.
Neosporin and hydrogen peroxide – helps disinfect wounds, reducing sepsis.
Bandages – see above.
Hand Soap – reduces the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses.
Diapers – reduces the risk of babies eating poop, which can lead to serious illness.
Clothes – reduces all sorts of possible unhealthy scenarios.
Food – reduces the risk of starvation.
Shelter – reduces the risk of exposure.
Pest Control – reduces harmful critters from spreading diseases.
Cigarettes – reduces the cravings for food, reducing obesity.
Crack –same as above.
Immunizations – duh.
Obviously, some of these are downright ludicrous. But I guarantee you some people would actually consider some of them good ideas.
Any others?
