Provision To Increase Access To Medicaid Family Planning Services Cut From Stimulus Package

News Excerpt from: Medical News Today
January 29, 2009

Under pressure from Republicans, President Obama and House Democrats on Tuesday agreed to drop a provision of the proposed economic stimulus package that would have given states the option to expand Medicaid coverage of family planning services, the Washington Post reports (Murray/Kane, Washington Post, 1/28). Wall Street Journal's "Washington Wire" reports that the provision would have allowed states to extend Medicaid family planning coverage to women with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid without obtaining special permission from HHS (Meckler, "Washington Wire," Wall Street Journal, 1/27). Republicans who opposed the provision argued that it had "nothing to do with economic stimulus," the New York Times reports. According to the Times, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that the Medicaid provision would have saved the government $200 million over five years by decreasing costs related to pregnancies and post-natal care covered by Medicaid (Calmes/Hulse, New York Times, 1/28).

The Post reports that Obama persuaded House Democrats to remove the provision "[a]s a show of good faith" before an expected House vote on Wednesday. During a meeting with House Republican leaders on Tuesday, Obama reassured Republicans that their concerns over the bill were being considered during the final stage of drafting (Washington Post, 1/28). A Democratic aide said, "It obviously has sort of generated this firestorm of criticism. It ended up being a distraction, and it will be removed" ("Washington Wire," Wall Street Journal, 1/27). The Senate will consider a similar, separate bill next week, according to the Post (Washington Post, 1/28).

Mary Jane Gallagher, president of the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, said, "Family planners are devastated that President Obama and Congress have decided to take funding for critical family planning services out of the stimulus." She added, "Their willingness to abandon the millions of families across the country who are in need is devastating." The Planned Parenthood Federation of America said the provision was a "victim of misleading attacks and partisan politics" ("Washington Wire," Wall Street Journal, 1/27). [...]

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After having read a few articles about the stimulus package and contraceptives, I was wondering why so much money would be invested in contraceptives. I understood that it would have benefits to health, but how would it contribute to improving the nation's debt? Then I stumbled across an article...

The article at RH Reality Check, "Boehner Gets It Wrong on Contraceptives, Stimulus", helped me to understand that it was much more than just a health concern. The article stated that:

"[...] publicly funded family planning services significantly reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and abortions that occur. Each year, the contraceptive services provided just at publicly funded clinics help women avoid 1.4 million unintended pregnancies, which would result in 640,000 unintended births and 600,000 abortions. Without these services, the number of abortion performed each year in the United States would be 49% higher than it currently is."

The article also stated that avoiding unwanted pregnancies would have saved the government over $200 million over five years. Unfortunately, as the main article illustrates, Obama dumped on the bid for family planning. Could this be a loss of hope for millions of families?

Luckily, there will be a similar and separate Bill to be considered by The Senate next week. If approved, hopefully this will have enough (or more) provisions to cover the cut in the stimulus package.


Helpful Resources and References:
- Ask President Obama to Stand Up for Family Planning (RH Reality Check)
- Boehner Gets it Wrong on Contraceptives, Stimulus (RH Reality Check)
- Limbaugh Attacks Pelosi Over Contraceptive Stimulus (MAXPRO Blog)

Weasels vs. AIDS Relief

News Excerpt from: Washington Post
By Michael Gerson
Wednesday, January 28, 2009; Page A15

[...]During Obama's transition, Dr. Mark Dybul was initially asked to stay on as the coordinator of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for several months until a replacement could be found and confirmed. Because Dybul was the main architect of the program and one of its guiding visionaries, few were surprised by the offer. With Ambassador Randall Tobias, Dybul organized the most staggeringly successful foreign assistance effort since the Marshall Plan -- eventually helping support lifesaving AIDS therapy for more than 2 million people.

While I worked at the White House -- from 2001 to 2006 -- I saw Dybul combine the ability to build bipartisan consensus for PEPFAR on Capitol Hill with exceptional compassion for the victims of a cruel and wasting sickness. It mattered little to the Bush administration that Dybul was openly gay or that he had contributed to Democratic candidates in the past. He was recognized as a great humanitarian physician -- a man of faith and conscience -- almost universally respected among legislators, AIDS activists, foreign leaders and health experts. Almost.

A few radical "reproductive rights" groups -- the fringe of a fringe -- accused Dybul of advocating "abstinence only" programs in AIDS prevention. It was always a lie. Dybul consistently supported comprehensive prevention efforts that include abstinence, faithfulness and condom use -- the approach that African governments themselves developed. In fact, Dybul was sometimes attacked from the right for defending a broad definition of AIDS prevention, including programs to address prostitution and transgenerational sex. Over the years, PEPFAR distributed 2.2 billion condoms -- hardly an "abstinence only" approach.

By encouraging Dybul to stay until his successor was in place, the Obama administration displayed a generous spirit, as well as a practical concern for continuity in a vital program.

Then, the day after the inauguration, Dybul received a call asking him to submit his resignation and to leave by the end of the day. There was no chance to reassure demoralized staffers, or PEPFAR teams abroad, or the confused health ministers of other nations. The only people who seemed pleased were a few blogging extremists, one declaring, "Dybul Out: Thank you, Hillary!!!"

As in most political hit-and-run attacks, the perpetrator was not anxious to take credit. It seems unlikely to be Hillary Clinton herself -- Dybul's ultimate boss at the State Department -- who had not even been confirmed when Dybul received his call. But someone at State or the White House determined that sacrificing Dybul would appease a few vocal, liberal interest groups. One high-ranking Obama official admitted that the decision was "political." Yet the AIDS coordinator is not a typical political job, distributed as spoils, like some deputy assistant position at the Commerce Department. It involves directing a massive emergency operation to provide lifesaving drugs, through complex logistics, to some of the most distant places on Earth. And now that operation may be months without effective leadership -- undermining morale, complicating inter-agency cooperation, delaying new prevention initiatives and postponing budget decisions.

It is difficult to imagine what vision of public service could cause any Obama official to celebrate a victory by sabotaging a good man and a good cause. And it is difficult to conceive what political gain Obama has achieved. This type of captivity to extreme interests is precisely what has discredited Democrats so often in the past. It is a kind of politics with all the "newness" of a purge, all the "freshness" of a mugging.

Governing, admittedly, is not badminton. But it costs little to be graceful. And pettiness, in this case, may impose a cost on the world's most vulnerable people.

"We, who seven years ago," wrote William Butler Yeats, "Talked of honour and of truth,/Shriek with pleasure if we show/The weasel's twist, the weasel's tooth." For some in the Obama administration, the baring of the weasel's tooth took merely a day.

But none of this should bother Mark Dybul, who sleeps well in the knowledge that he helped save millions of lives -- an experience his critics will never share.

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Personally, the firing of Dybul makes me wonder what is in store for the program; what does Obama's administration have in mind for the future of the program?

With having worked as an AIDS doctor for several years in San Francisco and saving millions of people's lives, Dybul's resume is fairly reputable! He even won over George W. Bush; all the while being openly gay. So, why the sudden change in mind?

It was noted to be a "political" reason. "Political?" Details, please?

Per the article, Dybul were to stay with the program until a replacement were to be found. Now that he has been dismissed, I'm wondering who the new replacement is. I understand that Obama is all about change.. and hey, maybe the administration is just Spring cleaning for something new, exciting, and wonderful! I guess we can't really judge what's going on until we find out who the new replacement is.


Helpful References and Resources
- PC trumps HIV: The scandal behind the Dybul firing (bloggernews)
- Mark R. Dybul (Wikipedia)

Limbaugh Attacks Pelosi Over Contraceptive Stimulus

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been taking a lot of heat for including money in the $825 billion stimulus bill for state family-planning programs, including Medicaid-funded contraceptives. The bill contains $87 billion in emergency Medicaid funding to help states.

Here's what Pelosi recently told ABC News about why the money was originally included: Well, the family-planning services reduced costs, it reduced costs. The states are in terrible fiscal budget crisis now, and -- and part of it, what we do for children's health, education and some of those elements that are to help the states meet their financial needs. One of those -- one of the initiatives you mentioned, the contraception, is -- will reduce cost to the state, and to the federal government … We have to deal with the consequences of the downturn in our economy.

Democratic leaders in the House have dropped federal funding for new contraceptive services and ongoing programs to stop sexually transmitted diseases from the $825 billion economic stimulus bill due to hit the floor Tuesday.

The decision came after President Obama called Democratic leaders to tell them that the $200 million set-aside does not comport with the objectives of the job creation package.

I agree if this bill is only to create new jobs then NO it should not be in their but if they are looking for ways to save money then by all means something needs to be invested into prevention and planning look at these numbers.


In 2007 the US spent $980 million on abortion and $14.7 Billion on STD Treatment. They could of spent Just $3 Billion and educated every man women and child and provided them with 180 condoms per year. That is why this package should be included to save money by investing a little on prevention. 20 condoms and education cost about $1.00 treating HIV cost the US tax payers around $15,000 per month per person and STD around $315 per person multiply that by the 19 million new STD cases every year and you can see why condoms and prevention education is so important. What do you think?

Ten Reasons Why Condoms Are The Best Contraceptive

News Excerpt from: Finding the Best Cure

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

There are numerous contraceptive methods that you and your partner can use. Popular approaches include everything from pills to injections to implants. Perhaps the best known contraception method is the use of condoms. When used correctly all of these techniques can be very effective methods of preventing unwanted pregnancy.

But the well known fact is that using condoms is considered by most experts to be the easiest, least expensive, and least intrusive method of contraception. The use of condoms can have important health and safety benefits as well.

Here are 10 reasons to use condoms rather than alternative contraceptive methods:

1. Condoms make sex less messy. They are neat and tidy.

2. Condoms are widely available in pharmacies, supermarkets, drug stores, shopping malls and convenience centers. They can also be ordered online from many well established websites.

3. Condoms are a virtual necessity for busy people in modern society because they are ready to go at any time.

4. Condoms are easy to use. The intervention of a health care professional, or the use of drugs is not required.

5. When used properly condoms are a highly reliable method of birth control. On average they are up to 98% effective.

6. There is no need to “take” a pill that has a dramatic effect on your entire body and alters natural processes. Condoms are only required when you are having sex.

7. Condoms can actually enhance the sexual experience because they are available in many sizes, shapes, textures, and flavors.

8. There are no medical side effects as with virtually all other birth control methods.

9. Condoms are the most effective way to protect women from infections and the development of cancer of the cervix.

10. Condoms are the only contraceptive that helps to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

The benefits of condoms are so important and so compelling that many people who have tried alternatives are returning to condoms. They have decided the unwelcome side-effects of other methods that rely on drugs or intrusive implants are not acceptable. An increasing number of people are simply unwilling to tamper with the natural cycles of their body.

Perhaps even more important, experts around the world have come to realize that condoms are the only way to create a significant barrier to infection and sexually transmitted diseases. As a result, the distribution and use of condoms has become one of the most important weapons in the battle against the spread of HIV aids and other sexually transmitted diseases [...]

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As exhibited in the article, there are many reasons to consider (or reconsider) condoms — and I'm sure there are more reasons than just the 10 presented!

With sex becoming more and more prominent in today's society, it's definitely important to make sure you, as well as your partner, are safe when engaging in "intimate moments." Risks of STD's, HIV, and HPV are heightened when unprotected sex is practiced. As stated by the American Cancer Society (ACS), "Condoms (rubbers) may protect against HPV when they are used correctly, and it is important to use them because they do protect against AIDS and other sexual diseases."^[1]

In addition, when used correctly, condoms are 98% effective in protecting you from pregnancy. While the common Birth Control Pill (BCP) can be as effective, it's also a pill you have to remember to take every day. Granted you often forget to take the pill, it lessens the effectiveness. BCP can also alter a woman's natural cycle, and while there might be advantages to this, there are definitely some disadvantages. First of all, it doesn't protect you from sexually transmitted infections so it is still advised to use a condom in addition to BCP. Per Planned Parenthood, other disadvantages include: breast tenderness, change in sexual desire, nausea, vomiting, etc.^[2]

Okay, let's re-evaluate the Pill.. So it has the possible chance to change sexual desire? ..and it doesn't protect from STIs? This isn't some kind of ploy to sway you away from BCP, but if you haven't really given much thought to your safe sex method, these may be reasons to re-access what is important to you and your partner, as well as your body.

Another reason to consider condoms is their shelf life! "When stored in a cool, dry place condoms without spermicide are generally good for around five years from the time they are manufactured."^[3] So if sex is an occasional thing for you (i.e., monthly, semi-annually, etc), at least you can have some condoms on reserve and feel safe knowing that you can be protected. Again, just be sure to check the expiration date after you blow off the dust!

If the embarrassment of having to buy condoms is something that's swaying you away from this form of protection, then there is no real reason to fear any longer! As stated in the article, with modern technology, you can buy condoms online in the privacy of your own home. MAXPRO condoms has just that solution: MAXPRO Store

With all that said, don't you think it's time to buy some condoms? :)

For fine condom products, please visit our website & store:
MAXPRO Condoms
MAXPRO Store


Helpful Resources & References:
¹ What Cause Cancer of the Cervix (American Cancer Society)
² Planned Parenthood: Birth Control Pill (Planned Parenthood)
³ Condom Expiration Dates (Go Ask Alice!)
- Using A Condom Properly (guardian.co.uk)
- Birth Control A Friendly But Risky Alternative to Condoms (TigerWeekly)
- Feature: Being Prepared (MAXPRO Blog)
- Embarassing Moments Buying Condoms (MAXPRO Blog)

Some Women Need Vibrators to Get Off. Get Over It, Men.

News Excerpt from: Village Voice

By Dan Savage
Tuesday, January 20th 2009 at 3:06pm

Dear Dan:

I love the wife I married two years ago, but she absolutely can't come unless she uses a vibrator on herself. She's asked me to let her use it during sex or for me to use it on her, but I've refused. It's bad enough knowing I can't compete with that thing without having to look at it.

Let's Insert My Prick

Yeah, yeah, LIMP, you can't compete. Like a lot of other men, you've fallen in love with a woman who needs intense, focused stimulation in order to come, the kind of sensation that hands, fingers, tongues, and cocks just can't provide—a woman who requires a vibrator. Now let's take a little time to grieve, shall we?

Time's up.

Now, stop being such a douchebag about this, LIMP, and go ask the wife to show you just how to hold the vibrator and just where to apply pressure so that you—YOU!—can start giving her orgasms during sex. See the vibrator as a tool, moron, not a threat. Because if being with you means going without orgasms during sex for the rest of her life—all because she was foolish enough to marry an insecure bag of slop who refuses to do what needs to be done to get her off—then your wife just might decide to be with someone else.

And now an important message for all straight guys everywhere: Some women need vibrators to get off. Why? Well, perhaps it has something to do with the fact that most of a woman's clitoral tissues are inside her body; the exposed part of her clitoris is just the tip, comparable to the head of your penis. Now imagine if the shaft of your penis was buried inside your body, guys. You might need the help of a vibrator to get off then, too; you might need a tool that could stimulate your shaft through layers of skin and muscle and fat. We've been over and over this since the early 1990s, fellas, and there's no excuse anymore for freaking out about your wife/girlfriend/mom needing a vibrator, OK? [...]

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So, guys.. just reiterating, there's no reason to be intimidated by the *gasp* VIBRATOR. It's the 2000's!! ..or 00's? Hmm.. Well, whichever it is, don't you think women deserve to release their sexual tension too? Why should you be the only one to get all the pleasure? Chh!

As Dan Savage explained, the female anatomy is waaaay more complicated than it looks (Obviously because God spent more time on us) ..aaaaand just when you thought we couldn't get more complex, all women are unique and usually require different kinds of stimulation. While penetration, alone, might be fine for one woman, another might need "an extra something" in addition to what you're already equipped with.

Intimidation aside, try to use this "problem" as an advantage... or even an opportunity to experiment and have fun with your partner. It can't always be about you!

You can start off by showing her chivalry isn't dead by catering to her needs. It's likely that some women might have some extreme needs that might scare the bejeezus out of you, but try to have an open mind. Try talking to your partner & go over what she likes, what you like, and what both of you can do to make it all the more pleasurable. Do some research on your own (or together) and surprise her! Truth: Girls like surprises (However, they do have to be good) Also, putting in that extra effort shows that you're sensitive to what your partner wants.. and with her knowing that you're going the extra mile, you can earn extra brownie points!

So instead of looking at the vibrator as the enemy, think of it as a part of yourself (especially with vibrating rings). You have the opportunity to control & decide how much intensity and pleasure you want to give your partner. Again, just have fun with it! You, yourself, might even experience a little more pleasure than you would have expected!

If you want to take things slow and not go to super extreme measures, the MAXPRO 3 + 1 pack is a great starter! It has everything in one convenient package (3 condoms & 1 vibrating O-ring) — equating to pleasurable, safe sex! You can purchase it at select MAXPRO retailers.

For more fine MAXPRO products, like the MAXPRO Extreme Pleasure Packs (1 condom & 1 vibrating O-ring), visit our store at MAXPRO store


Helpful Resources:
- Feature: Why She Fakes It (MAXPRO Blog)
- Feature: Sex Around the House (MAXPRO Blog)

To Teach, or Not to Teach: That is the Question

One side says that teaching abstinence is the only way, the other says we need to teach our youth about safe sex... but which way is the correct way??? I do know that a report I read this morning cannot be ignored.

TEENAGERS in the United States who pledge to remain virgins until marriage are just as likely to have premarital sex as those who do not promise abstinence and significantly less likely to use condoms and other forms of birth control, a study published yesterday says.

The new analysis of data from a large US survey found that more than half of youths became sexually active before marriage regardless of whether they had taken a "virginity pledge", but that the percentage who took precautions against pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases was 10 points lower for pledgers than for non-pledgers.

"Taking a pledge doesn't seem to make any difference at all in any sexual behaviour," said Janet Rosenbaum of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, whose report appears in the journal Pediatrics. "But it does seem to make a difference in condom use and other forms of birth control that is quite striking."

Condom use was about 10 percentage points lower for people who broke the pledge. They were six points less likely to use any contraception.

The study is the latest in a series raising questions about programs that focus on encouraging abstinence until marriage. The new analysis goes further by focusing on teens who had similar values about sex and other issues before they took a virginity pledge.

The findings come as Congress and the incoming Obama administration are about to reconsider the provision of more than $US176 million ($258 million) in annual funding for abstinence-based programs.

The Sydney Morning Herald

I'll be honest in saying that I was raised a catholic - 12 years of private/catholic school should be enough to prove that. I was never really taught anything about "safe sex" until I reached the college ranks and oftentimes wonder why.

Some might think my opinion is biased because I work for a latex company which manufactures condoms, but the truth of the matter is this job really opened my eyes to the flaws in the educational system (in regards to this subject).

Everyday we are forced to make important decision that can have a huge impact on our lives. People always say "would life have been different if I had done this instead of that"... the whole I should have gone left instead of right scenario. The issue of teens and sex is no different - if we don't teach them the rights and wrongs then how will they ever be able to make the proper decisions.

I'm not saying which way is right and which way is wrong. I truly believe that abstinence is the best way for the younger generation, but I also know that teenagers will be teenagers and their hormones or peer pressure oftentimes get the best of them. I feel it is ignorant to not take notice of these facts and at least give our kids the education to make intelligent decisions. I was in college when I got my first taste of this knowledge - long after my first, second... girlfriend.

My parents were great at giving me "the talk" and they didn't hold anything back when it came to the subject. All I wish is that the school systems would also take some initiative and give kids/teens/young adults the proper knowledge to fight this battle.

To Teach, or Not to Teach... I say we teach!