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Expanded coverage of contraceptives urged by experts
An independent panel of doctors and health experts Tuesday recommended that health plans cover contraceptives for women without co-pays, setting the stage for another debate over the impact of the healthcare overhaul President Obama signed last year. Many experts see preventing unwanted pregnancies as critical to women's and babies'health, as women with unwanted pregnancies are less likely to receive prenatal care and engage in unsafe behaviors such as drinking and smoking. But some anti-abortion groups had objected to expanding coverage for contraception, singling out several emergency contraceptives that can prevent implantation of a fertilized egg. The Department of Health and Human Services will consider the recommendations as it finalizes regulations outlining which preventive services will have to be covered by new health plans.
Source:Los Angeles Times