New group forms to educate about access to contraceptives

A new organization with an aim to protect and expand access to contraceptives in Idaho announced its statewide launch Monday.

Headquartered in Boise, the Idaho Contraceptive Education Network intends to enhance public education about the function of various contraceptive methods and cultivate dialogue about their importance to Idahoans.

The organization is spearheaded by North Idaho business owner and former state senate candidate Tara Malek; former state representative and Association of Idaho Cities Executive Director Kelley Packer; and former state representative and rancher Laurie Lickley.

The Idaho Contraceptive Education Network was established to connect Idahoans and provide a platform to educate others, giving a voice to the majority of Idahoans who favor policies maintaining or expanding access to birth control and who believe contraceptives are essential to reducing unplanned pregnancies.

“The most important message we can share is that life is so important and precious, and it should be prepared for in a thoughtful way,” Packer said in the Monday announcement. “Contraceptives allow people to do that.”

While Idaho has laws in place protecting access to contraceptives, the issue has increasingly been intertwined with other hot-button issues that could potentially reduce access. This network aims to increase understanding about various methods of contraception and their function to bolster understanding of and support for ongoing and expanded access.

“There are some misconceptions about certain types of contraceptives and how they function,” Malek said. “Naturally, people want to be sure they are supporting policies and practices that align with their belief system. ICEN is working to fill knowledge gaps so Idahoans can feel confident in their support for protected or expanded access to contraceptives in Idaho.”

Many Idahoans rely on contraceptive methods to prevent, delay or space pregnancy.

Contraceptives are also commonly used to treat and manage a wide range of medical conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian cysts, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, anemia and acne. According to a recent survey, the majority of Idahoans have utilized some form of birth control. According to research, access to birth control makes it easier for women to finish their education, stay in the workforce and plan the timing of their pregnancies.

"Idahoans have expressed their desire to protect our right to use contraceptives," Lickley said. "There is nothing more pro-life than giving our families access to this important family-planning resource.”

Info: idahocen.org

    Packer
  

    Lickley