These include the oral contraceptive pill, Depoprovera and Norplant. Approved contraceptive devices include the diaphragm and intrauterine device. Coverage of reversible methods of contraception by private insurance affects most women at some time during their lives. Historically all indemnity plans and HMOs cover pregnancy and its outcomes. Eighty-five percent of plans cover neither the IUD nor the diaphragm.
Unintended pregnancies are most likely to be terminated.
As a result, contraceptive coverage and its value has both personal meaning and affects society as a whole. At the personal level, the importance of contraception is increasing as more women and couples seek to limit the number of children they have. If a woman is sexually active between the ages of 20 and 45 and wishes to have only two children without being sterilized, she must practice contraception effectively, for more than 20 years. Therefore, contraception is not an option for women. Instead, it is a basic and very important part of their health care.