Healthcare Policy Analysis, Outline Example

I. Contraceptive coverage (i.e. birth control) in health insurance plans as mandated by states and the federal government (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2013)

A. The availability of contraceptive coverage as offered healthcare plans is a controversial topic with considerable challenges posed by many lawmakers, particularly under the mandates established by the Affordable Care Act (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2013)

1. 1. 1. Many conservative legislators are against the provision of contraceptive coverage because it interferes with religious and/or moral beliefs (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2013)
      2. Others believe that contraceptive coverage should not be infringed upon by lawmakers and that individuals should have the freedom to make this decision in their own right (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2013).

It is believed that some lawmakers want to take the control away from women to make their own contraceptive choices

II. Transvaginal ultrasounds and prior to the termination of pregnancy (abortions)

A. Many states have made the transvaginal ultrasound mandatory before women can make the decision to have an abortion; other states have developed legislation to make this ultrasound mandatory so that the freedom of choice is taken away from women in these situations (Rayfield, 2013)

1. 1. 1. Conservatives believe that the transvaginal ultrasound will encourage women not to have an abortion if they have seen the image of the fetus (Rayfield, 2013)
      2. Others believe that this type of procedure is highly invasive and takes away the woman’s freedom and their decision to have an abortion as planned (Rayfield, 2013)

It is important to provide women with the independence to make this decision on their own without the interference of lawmakers, many of whom are male and do not understand pregnancy and its risks, as well as personal choice and the freedom to make independent decisions (Rayfield, 2013)

References

National Conference of State Legislatures (2013). Insurance coverage for contraception laws. Retrieved from http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/health/insurance-coverage-for-contraception-state-laws.aspx

Rayfield, J. (2013). Michigan lawmakers push transvaginal ultrasound bill. Salon, retrieved from http://www.salon.com/2013/02/06/michigan_lawmakers_push_transvaginal_ultrasound_bill/