GOP: Why Should Men Have to Pay for Prenatal Care?

Mattie Kahn
Updated

From ELLE

Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL), who has three children, suggested during a 27-hour markup session on the new GOP-led healthcare bill that Republicans have opposed the Affordable Care Act because they don't want to be forced to pay for coverage they don't intend to use-like prenatal care for the women that men get pregnant.

On Wednesday, following Rep. Markwayne Mullin's (R-OK) insistence that premiums were "skyrocketing" due to "mandates from Obamacare," Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) demanded that someone explain to him exactly which Obamacare stipulations Republicans found so objectionable. Certainly, Doyle said, Republicans don't mind coverage for people with pre-existing conditions or for children under 26 who want to stay on their parents' health plans. "So I'm curious," Doyle continued. "What is it we're mandating?"

"What about men having to purchase prenatal care?" Shimkus wanted to know. "Is that not correct? And should they?"

Doyle mostly sputtered in response, so allow us to clarify this super fast.

Two things!

Number one: Unless you went to Cady Heron's high school, you know it takes two people to make a baby.

Number two: The entire insurance market depends on our all paying for some services we don't use so that when unexpected health circumstances arise in our lives, our plans can accommodate them.

And just so you know, John-between 70 and 89 percent of sudden cardiac events happen to men. On behalf of insured women everywhere, who've been paying their premiums so that dudes can be defibrillated, you're welcome for picking up the tab.

You Might Also Like