Women's Network Applauds Attorney General's Opinion MADISON, WI - The Reproductive Rights Task Force of the Wisconsin Women’s Network  is applauding the Attorney General’s legal opinion that employers and public universities who do not offer contraceptive coverage in health care plans that include a prescription drug benefit are violating the state law. The groups' official stand is that the conclusion by the Attorney General supports common sense policy that improves the health of women and remedies discrimination in health coverage.  According to a 2001 study conducted by the Commissioner of Insurance, only 22% of Wisconsin insurance plans surveyed provide coverage for all FDA-approved contraceptives. “Contraception is basic health care for women,” states Wendy Cooper, RRTF Co-Chair. “Most women spend nearly thirty years of their lives trying to prevent pregnancy. Spending three decades of one’s life making healthy and responsible decisions about pregnancy and parenting is certainly not optional health care for women.” “In Wisconsin, there are 625,000 women who are currently in need of contraceptive services and supplies,” continued Cooper. “Additionally, eighty-five percent of sexually active women will use birth control pills at some time in their lives. I’m sure all of these women think their contraception is anything but ‘elective’.” “Contraception is a critical contributor to improved maternal and child health,” stated Janet Kusch, R.N., RRTF member and family planning provider. “Ready access to contraceptive services help women avoid unplanned pregnancies. Additionally, women who use family planning services in the two years before pregnancy are more likely to receive early and adequate prenatal care. Further, study after study has shown that employers save money in personnel costs when prescription contraceptives are included in a health insurance plan.” “To say contraception is anything but an essential and a primary component to women’s health care is totally out of step with the reality for most women and their families in this state and country,” concludes Cooper.