Mudslide closes Hwy 31
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Making progress on racism
Leakage known for years
Manitoba goes to the polls
Street party arrests, injuries 
Church roof collapse kills 9
Huge blaze at police HQ
Trump arrives for court
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Ne-Yo declares paternity
Rent Princess Di's home
Re. Lloyd Vinish’s letter Better reasons needed (Castanet, March 7)
This letter seems to have missed the point entirely.
While I appreciate the concerns about using tax dollars to fund contraception, I believe your comparisons to hockey helmets and crutches are flawed.
Yes, helmets and crutches can also save healthcare costs and alleviate healthcare costs for those in need, and there are government programs that do provide assistance for those in need. It's not a question of either/or when it comes to public funding for healthcare, it's about providing essential services that have a real impact on people's lives.
The writer argues people should take responsibility for their own decisions, like using contraception. But what about those who don't have the resources or education to make informed decisions about contraception? Providing public funding for contraception ensures everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status, has access to this essential healthcare service.
This is not about coddling people or taking away their responsibility, but rather about promoting equitable access to healthcare.
Contraception is not just about personal responsibility, but also about promoting healthy families and communities. By providing access to contraception, we can help prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce the number of children born into unstable or unhealthy environments. This is not just good for individuals, but for society as a whole.
It's not about the government paying for everything in our lives, it's about using tax dollars to support basic healthcare needs that benefit society as a whole.
Our government provides funding for music lessons, dance lessons and other programs in the form of grants to non-profit societies. So, while he may not personally use contraception, it is important to remember his tax dollars go towards supporting a variety of services and programs that he may not personally use but that benefit society as a whole.
It makes sense for (government) to supplement the cost of contraceptives for those in need. It's time to recognize that access to contraception is not a luxury but a fundamental right that should be available to all.
Chelsea Terry
