Birth Control Now Provided FREE In The United States! No Co-pays! Thank God!

HHS announces free birth control for women in the U.S.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced new guidelines in Washington Monday requiring health insurance plans beginning on or after August 1, 2012 to cover several women's preventive services, including birth control and voluntary sterilization.

According to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius the decision is a part of the Affordable Care Act's move to stop problems before they start.

"These historic guidelines are based on science and existing literature and will help ensure women get the preventive health benefits they need," she said in a news release.

In July, the Institute of Medicine issued the results of a scientific review of women's health needs and provided recommendations on specific preventive measures to help them. Today HHS approved those recommendations.

Besides contraceptive use, the list includes free screenings for conditions such as gestational diabetes and the human papillomavirus (HPV), as well as breastfeeding support and counseling on sexually transmitted diseases. The full list is available on the Department of Health and Human Services website.

Overheard on CNN.com -- Birth control should be free

The decision to offer free contraception was not supported by all. For example, groups like the Family Research Council claims the decision "undermines the conscience rights of many Americans" and Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, chairman of Committee on Pro-Life Activities with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops says "pregnancy is not a disease, and fertility is not a pathological condition to be suppressed by any means technically possible."

They feel the decision forces people to participate who may have moral or religious convictions that oppose contraception use.

The Obama administration released an amendment to the prevention regulation that allows religious institutions offering health insurance to their employees the choice of whether or not to cover contraception services.

However, supporters say the service will help millions of women who struggle to afford prescription birth control.

Birth control should be fully covered under health plans, report says

"Covering birth control without co-pays is one of the most important steps we can take to prevent unintended pregnancy and keep women and children healthy," said Dr. Vanessa Cullins, vice president for medical affairs at Planned Parenthood Federation of America when the IOM recommendations were released.

Supporters also say covering contraception helps the government save money up front.

According to an analysis from the Guttmacher Institute, in 2006, of the 2 million publicly funded births, 51% resulted from unintended pregnancies, accounting for more than $11 billion in costs.

The report found that this is a disproportionate burden on programs such as Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, given that only 38% of all U.S. births result from unintended pregnancies.


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Sources: AP, CBS News, CNN, Wikipedia, Google Maps

Birth Control As Preventive Medicine? Yes! (Health Insurance Coverage)

Should Birth Control Be Categorized As A Form Of Preventive Medicine Requiring Health Insurance Companies To Include It In Premiums?

Yes!

Here's Why.

Many Of You Know That I Personally Oppose Abortion.

Just For The Record Abortion Is NOT A Form Of Birth Control!

I Don't Judge People Who Do Endorse Terminating Pregnancies But I Would NEVER Do It Because Its Against My Faith.

However I'm Also Opposed To Women Having & Rearing Children At The Government's Expense, In Most Cases Minus Child Support!

Unless You (Women) Can Independently Afford To Properly Care For Children Don't Reproduce! Period!

After All We're Human Beings NOT Rabbits!

Here's My Next Thought On This Sensitive Subject.

In My Family I Have A Niece Currently Residing In North Carolina Who Could Most Certainly Benefit From The Use Of BIRTH CONTROL & Some SELF-CONTROL!

I Love My Niece Dearly So What's The Problem?

She Is Just 25 Years Old But A Low Income, Unwed Mother Of 4 Beautiful Children!!

Wait A Minute!

Who Paid For Her To Have Those 4 Beautiful Children?

TAXPAYERS!

Who's Helping To Care For Those 4 Beautiful Children Even As We Speak?

That's Right TAXPAYERS!

And Yet....

She Won't Properly Use Birth Control, Nor Have Her Fallopian Tubes Tied Because She Wants To Keep Having Babies!

Since All Of Her Children Were Born Via Cesarean Sections (C-Sections) Not Only Is My Niece Being SELFISH & FOOLISH Regarding Her Health, But Her Children Are Suffering Due To Each Of Them Being So Young. (Ages 6, 4, 3, Infant)

Why Were Her Children Delivered Via Cesarean Section Versus Natural Birth, A Less Expensive Method Of Birth?

My Niece Is Physically Able To Reproduce But NOT Medically Able To Have Children Via Natural Birth.

She Tried & Almost Died! Literally!

Forcing My Niece To Have Babies Naturally Would Result In Her Death, Which Would Create A Whole New Chain Of Circumstances & Despair For Her 4 Beautiful Children.

North Carolina Social Workers Are Well Aware Of This Situation But Yet They Allow My Niece To Continue Having Babies At Taxpayers'& The Federal Government's Expense!

How Convenient I Must Say.

Despite What Anyone Else Says Or Thinks, A 25 Year-Old, Low Income, Unwed Mother With 4 Children Can NOT Properly Nurture Her Children!!

At Least NOT Emotionally!

In Fact More Often Than Not Such Circumstances Is What Causes Women Like My Niece To Commit Child Abuse & Neglect, Either Intentionally Or Unintentionally.

(No My Niece Does NOT Physically Abuse Her Children.)

Observing My Low Income, Unwed Niece NOT Being Able To Properly Care For Her Young Children Both Frustrates & Hurts Me Because Her Decision To Continue Having Babies Minus A Husband, Minus An Education & Minus Adequate Finances, Creates An Environment Lacking In Emotionally Stability For All Of Them.

In Most Cases Poverty Adversely Affects Young Children, Thereby Hindering Their Chances For Future Academic Success.

I Truly Love Children With All My Heart.

Especially My Niece's Children.

But A Woman's Right To Choose Should NOT Mean That Women Have The Right To Keep Having Children They Can NOT Properly Care For Via Government Assistance!!

Due To The Southern States Illegally Using Eugenics On Black Women & Mentally Retarded Women Against Their Will, Its Now Illegal For Any State To Force Any Woman To Use Birth Control Or Allow Physicians To Tie Her Fallopian Tubes.

However I Don't Agree!!

I Firmly Believe That If A Unwed, Normally Healthy Woman Living In Poverty & Receiving Government Assistance i.e., Welfare Checks (TANF), Food Stamps, Medicaid, Child Care Assistance, Section 8, etc., Refuses To Remain On Birth Control Or Get Her Fallopian Tubes Tied After 2 Or 3 Children Then Either Cut Off Their Assistance!!

Especially If Its Obvious Those Unwed, Normally Healthy Women Want To Continue Having Children To Keep A Boyfriend Or To Use As Pawns For More Food Stamps & Welfare Payments, etc.,

Unfortunately North Carolina Is A State That Appears To Encourage Low Income, Unwed Mothers To Continue Having Children.

i.e., Human "Baby Factories"

Why?

For 2 Reasons:

1) To Procure Large Sums Of Federal Dollars Of Which Only A Very Small Amount Is Given To Those Low Income, Unwed Mothers.

The Rest Is Used By Our Governor & State Legislators To Provide A Higher Mode Of Living For North Carolina's Wealthy WHITE Citizens.

i.e., Better Roads & Highways, Nice Neighborhood Parks, Nice Business Establishments Versus Chicken Joints & ABC Stores, Nice, NEW Public Schools, NEW City Transit Buses, etc.,

2) To Place THOUSANDS Of BLACK Children From Low Income Homes Headed By Single Mothers In FOSTER CARE Until They Are 21 For The Sole Purpose Of Getting Even More Federal Dollars To Spend On North Carolina's Wealthy WHITE Citizens.

Requiring Low Income, Unwed Mothers Who Rely On Government Assistance To Use Birth Control Or Lose Access To Government Assistance, Would Prohibit States Like North Carolina From Profiteering Via Using Such Women As Human "Baby Factories".

Thus I Do Agree W/ The Obama Administration's Medical Advisory Panel's Recommendation That Contraceptives SHOULD Be Covered By Health Insurance Companies.

In Fact HIV Testing, HPV Vaccinations & Birth Control Should ALL Be Covered Because They Are Forms Of Preventive Medicine.

i.e., FREE! Completely Covered By Health Insurers!

This Includes MEDICAID Not Just Private Health Insurers.

If Health Insurance Companies & Medicaid Were To Allow Their Plan Premiums To Include Birth Control As Preventive Medicine For Female Patients, States Like North Carolina Would NOT Be Able To Encourage Low Income, Unwed BLACK Women To Breed Babies Like Animals.

Breeding Babies Like Animals To Obtain FAT Checks From The Federal Government!!

I Repeat: A Woman's Right To Choose Should NOT Mean That Women Have The Right To Keep Having Children They Can NOT Properly Care For Via Government Assistance!!

So Should Birth Control Be Categorized As A Form Of Preventive Medicine Requiring Health Insurance Companies To Include It In Premiums?

Yes!

Just My Opinion.








Panel Recommends Coverage for Contraception

A leading medical advisory panel recommended on Tuesday that all insurers be required to cover contraceptives for women free of charge as one of several preventive services under the new health care law.

Obama administration officials said that they were inclined to accept the panel’s advice and that the new requirements could take effect for many plans at the beginning of 2013. The administration signaled its intentions in January when Kathleen Sebelius, the secretary of health and human services, unveiled a 10-year program to improve the nation’s health. One goal was to “increase the proportion of health insurance plans that cover contraceptive supplies and services.”

Administration officials, who say they hope to act on the recommendations by Aug. 1, are receptive to the idea of removing cost as a barrier to birth control — a longtime goal of advocates for women’s rights and experts on women’s health.

But the recommendations immediately reignited debate over the government’s role in reproductive health. Women’s groups and medical professionals applauded the recommendations while the Roman Catholic Church raised strenuous objections.

The recommendations came in a report submitted to Ms. Sebelius by the Institute of Medicine, an arm of the National Academy of Sciences. The new health care law says insurers must cover “preventive health services” and cannot charge for them. Ms. Sebelius will decide on a minimum package of essential health benefits, and her decision will not require further action by Congress.

The panel said insurers should be forbidden to charge co-payments for contraceptives and other preventive services because even small charges could deter their use. The recommendation would not help women without insurance.

The administration asked the Institute of Medicine, a nonpartisan, nongovernmental arm of the National Academy of Sciences, to help identify the specific services that must be covered for women.

“This report is historic,” Ms. Sebelius said on Tuesday in accepting the document. “Before today, guidelines regarding women’s health and preventive care did not exist. These recommendations are based on science and existing literature.”

In addition to contraceptive services for women, the panel recommended that the government require health plans to cover screening to detect domestic violence; screening for H.I.V., the virus that causes AIDS; and counseling and equipment to promote breastfeeding, including the free rental of breast pumps.

The panel also said all insurers should be required to cover screening for gestational diabetes in pregnant women; DNA testing for the human papillomavirus as part of cervical cancer screening; and annual preventive-care visits. Such visits could include prenatal care and preconception care, to make sure women are healthy when they become pregnant.

Defending its recommendations on contraceptive coverage, the panel said that nearly half of all pregnancies in the United States were unintended, and that about 40 percent of unintended pregnancies ended in abortion. Thus, it said, greater use of contraception would reduce the rates of unintended pregnancy, teenage pregnancy and abortion.

The chairwoman of the panel, Dr. Linda Rosenstock, dean of the School of Public Health at the University of California, Los Angeles, said, “We did not consider cost or cost-effectiveness in our deliberations.”

But the panel’s report says that “contraception is highly cost-effective,” averting unintended pregnancies that would be far more expensive than contraception.

To reduce unintended pregnancies, the panel said, insurers should cover the full range of contraceptive methods approved by the Food and Drug Administration, as well as sterilization procedures and “education and counseling for all women with reproductive capacity.”

This recommendation would require coverage of emergency contraceptives including pills like ella and Plan B, panel members said.

Under rules issued last year, many health plans are already required to cover numerous preventive services like blood pressure and cholesterol tests, colonoscopies and other cancer screenings, and routine vaccinations. A provision of the law drafted by Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, Democrat of Maryland, requires coverage of “additional preventive care and screenings” for women.

Most private insurance provides contraceptive coverage, but co-payments have increased in recent years, the panel said.

The report touched off a fierce debate Tuesday. Obstetricians, gynecologists, public health experts and Democratic women in Congress hailed the recommendations.

“We are one step closer to saying goodbye to an era when simply being a woman is treated as a pre-existing condition,” Ms. Mikulski said. “We are saying hello to an era where decisions about preventive care and screenings are made by a woman and her doctor, not by an insurance company.”

Representative Lois Capps, Democrat of California, said the recommendations would remove cost as a barrier to birth control — and in hard economic times like these, she said, cost can be a formidable barrier.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and some conservative groups, including the Family Research Council, denounced the recommendation on birth control.

“Pregnancy is not a disease, and fertility is not a pathological condition to be suppressed,” said Deirdre A. McQuade, a spokeswoman for the bishops’ Pro-Life Secretariat. “But the Institute of Medicine report treats them as such.”

Ms. McQuade expressed deep concern about requiring coverage of surgical sterilizations and contraceptive drugs and devices.

Jeanne Monahan, the director of the Center for Human Dignity at the Family Research Council, said: “Some people have moral or ethical objections to contraceptives. They should not be forced to violate their conscience by paying premiums to health plans that cover these items and services.”

One panel member, Prof. Anthony Lo Sasso, a health economist at the University of Illinois at Chicago, filed a dissent, saying the committee did not have enough time to conduct “a serious and systematic review” of the evidence.

The report, he said, includes “a mix of objective and subjective determinations filtered through a lens of advocacy.”


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Sources: CNN, Dr. Phil, MSNBC, NY Times, Wikipedia, Youtube, Google Maps

Anthony Weiner's Wife Is Pregnant! Please Resign! Pray For Him

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Ok. Now This Story Is Getting Really, Really Weird.

The NY Times Has Reported That Congressman Weiner's Beautiful Wife Huma Is With Child.

Its Also Been Reported More Pics Of Weiner's "Hot Dog Bun" Were Released Today.

Yet The Guy Refuses To Step Down!

Let's Face It Folks.

The fact Weiner Refuses To Step Down Proves He Is Emotionally Unstable & Badly In Need Of Immediate Mental Health Intervention.

This Is So Sad. So So Sad!

Everyone In New York Loves Anthony Weiner. Even People Who Love To Hate Him.

At This Point I Believe If He Steps Down (Like Yesterday!), His Political Career Could Still Be Repaired Sometime In The Future.

However Only AFTER He Seeks Mental Health Treatment First. i.e., Dr. Drew Pinsky.

But If The Guy Refuses To Resign & Refuses To Seek Treatment, God Only Knows What Might Happen Next.

(FYI: Many Suicides Are Committed In New York City Each Year.)

I Only Hope His Wife Huma, The Clintons, Nancy Pelosi & Chuck Schumer Will Convince Him To Resign & Immediately Allow Himself To Be Committed Into One Of Dr. Drew's Facilities In California.

The Guy Obviously Needs Some Rest & Relaxation.

Perhaps Getting Away From The Fast Pace Of NYC & Into The Laid Back Environment Of Sunny California Will Do Weiner Some Good.

Don't Worry About Andrew Breitbart!

Breitbart Is NOT A Journalist.

Instead He's Nothing More Than A Homewrecker & Dirty, Paid GOP Operative.

Nothing Good Will Come Of Breitbart Just Watch! Scumbags Like Him Always Get Their Due!

Meanwhile Too Much Is At Stake Politically For Weiner To Remain In Public Office.

Pres. Obama NEEDS To Be Re-elected.

Democrats & Independents Need To Focus On Stopping Republicans From Ruining Our Nation With Unfair, Unequal Budget Cuts Disguised As "Deficit Reduction".

Budget Cuts Which ONLY Hurt Middle Class Citizens, Veterans, Senior Citizens, College Students & Low Income Citizens!

And Millions Of Voters Still Need JOBS!!!

This Is Definitely NOT The Time To Continue Talking About Weiner's Private "Assets"!

Congressman Anthony Weiner Sir, We STILL Love You & Appreciate All Of Your Service.

But Please, For The Sake Of Your Beautiful Wife, Unborn Child, The Entire Democratic Party & 2012 Elections.....

PLEASE SIR RESIGN TODAY!

We Are Praying For You.

God Bless You & Your Family.






Weiner’s Wife Is Pregnant

Their marriage has become the subject of intense speculation and scrutiny amid an embarrassing online sex scandal.

Now, Representative Anthony D. Weiner and Huma Abedin are about to make news of a different kind: they are expecting their first child.

Ms. Abedin, 35, is in the early stages of pregnancy, according to three people with knowledge of the situation.

The pregnancy, which the couple has disclosed to close friends and family, adds a new dimension to questions about the future of their marriage.

Mr. Weiner, 46, has admitted to engaging in salacious online conversations with at least six women over the last few years, including an incident last month in which he sent a photograph of himself in underwear to a college student in Washington state. He apologized to his wife and declared that they have no intention of splitting up.

“We will weather this,” Mr. Weiner said on Monday, during his emotional news conference. “I love her very much, and she loves me.”

But Ms. Abedin, a longtime aide to Hillary Rodham Clinton, has remained silent about the topic as she keeps up a hectic schedule at the State Department.

Ms. Abedin returned to work this week and departed on Wednesday for a trip to Northern Africa with Ms. Clinton.

A State Department spokesman declined to comment Wednesday afternoon.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Here It Is Straight No Chaser!

I Totally, Totally Agree With MSNBC's Ed Schultz (Glad To See You Back Ed) That Its Time For Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) To Resign.

After Supporting Him Earlier, I Now Believe It Would Be In The Best Interest Of The 2012 Elections, That He Should Step Down. NOW!

If Weiner Refuses To Resign He Could Possibly Ruin Chances For Democrats To Regain The U.S. House & Could Also Possibly Cost Democrats The U.S. Senate.

Thus He Should No Longer Continue Speaking Out To The Press.

He Should No Longer Try To Hold On To His Seat Hoping He'll Be Able To Ride Out This Scandal Because It Won't Work!

Just Please SHUT UP & STEP DOWN For Christ's Sake!

PLEASE!

And....

Schedule An Appointment To Meet With Dr. Drew Pinsky ASAP In The Process.

Do I Still Believe Weiner Fell Into The GOP's Waiting Hands On This One?

YES!

The GOP Didn't Want Weiner, A Liberal Democrat To Become Mayor Of NYC.

So When He Messed Up With This Sexting, Twitter Scandal He Became Putty In Their Hands.

Andrew Breitbart, Founder Of Biggovernment.com & A Paid GOP Operative, Doesn't Just Sit Around Waiting For Scandalous Stories Like These To Pop-Up Out Of Nowhere, No!

Instead Breitbart Preys Upon Influential Democrat Politicians, Helps Set Them Up & Than Moves In For The KILL!

Kill As In Kill Their Political Careers, Thereby Making Room For GOP Replacements.

Folks Like Peter King (R) (Mr. "Muslim Radicalization") Who Represents Long Island, Was Also Probably Sitting & Waiting By The Sidelines For Weiner To Self-Destruct.

No Worries Folks!

Because There's Absolutely NO Chance Weiner Will Become New York's Mext Mayor In 2013.

However Unlike Adulterer & Former Presidential Candidate, John Edwards (D-NC), It Doesn't Appear That Weiner Violated Any Laws. (i.e., Campaign Finance Laws)

And Lying Isn't Usually A Crime Unless You LIE To A Government Or Law Enforcement Official Right?

i.e., John Ensign (R-NV)

After Receiving Some Serious Sex Addiction Counseling From Dr. Drew Pinsky, Who Knows What Weiner's Next Career Might Be.

But If He Wants To Regain The Trust Of His Constituents, He Will More Than Likely Have To Start Over At Ground Zero. (No Pun Intended)

Like Possibly Becoming A NYC District Rep., City Councilman Or.....

Perhaps Starting An Advocacy Program For Some Of Brooklyn's Most Vulnerable Citizens To Help With Issues That Have Repeatedly Plagued Citizens Who Reside In That Part Of New York City.

Ex: Slum Landlord Housing, Illegal Evictions, No Hot Water, No Heat, Illegally Fired, Low Unemployment, Bad Public Schools, Serious Crime, Mob Takeovers, Child Abuse & Neglect, etc.,

Kudos To U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi For Immediately Starting An Ethics Investigation Following Weiner's Babbling Idiot's Press Conference.

Listen Weiner For The Good Of Your Party & Pres. Obama's Re-election, Please Just SHUT UP & STEP DOWN!

Don't Drag This Out Any Longer Because The GOP Is Eating It Up Like A Delicious Coney Island Frankfurter.

Just RESIGN Dude!

TODAY!

And STOP Sexting Photos Of Your "Hot Dog Bun" To Other Women.

You're A Married Man Now Dude!

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Weiner's only choice is to resign

As Anthony Weiner is about to find out: When you're a politician, not all lies are the same. There's a big difference between breaking a campaign promise by failing to deliver on something and breaking the public's trust with an outright falsehood.

When you do the former, the public will shrug and surmise that you're no better or worse than any other elected official. But when you do the latter, you signal that you can no longer be trusted on any level.

In what you'd have to call a negative trend, Americans have become accustomed over the years to politicians saying one thing to get elected and doing another once they're in office. In fact, these days, people think that is normal. Whether it's George H.W. Bush breaking his promise of "no new taxes," or Barack Obama violating his pledge to make immigration reform a priority of his administration, most people are tolerant of broken promises. They tell themselves that circumstances have changed or that the elected official will eventually make good. Besides, they say, every politician has his share of unfulfilled pledges.

That's not Weiner's problem. The lies he told in response to reporters' questions were much worse and much more direct. They were told not with the desire to get elected but with the intent to mislead and deceive. And that being the case, the damage to his political future is likely to be much more severe.

But you knew that already, if you caught even a glimpse of Monday's news conference where Weiner finally came clean about posting lewd photos on his Twitter account and lying about it.

It was a much different story than what we heard last week, when Weiner claimed that his account had been compromised and that, as a "prank," a hacker had posted

But you knew that already, if you caught even a glimpse of Monday's news conference where Weiner finally came clean about posting lewd photos on his Twitter account and lying about it.

It was a much different story than what we heard last week, when Weiner claimed that his account had been compromised and that, as a "prank," a hacker had posted a lewd photo on the account and sent the photo to a young woman. In a textbook example of how not to answer a question, Weiner told MSNBC's Luke Russert that, while he didn't send the tweet, he "can't say with certitude" whether he was the person in the photo. In an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer, Weiner couldn't even say whether the underpants in the picture were his.

Monday, amid reports that there were more pictures that could yet be released, Weiner apparently decided to cut his losses before the story got worse. He apologized for lying about the ordeal and admitted carrying on inappropriate virtual relationships with several women he'd met online. Better late than never, the married congressman took "full responsibility" for both the relationships and for lying in an attempt to cover them up.



"To be clear, the picture was of me, and I sent it," Weiner said. "I'm deeply sorry for the pain this has caused my wife and our family, my constituents, my friends, my supporters and my staff," he said. "I lied because I was ashamed at what I had done, and I didn't want to get caught."

No kidding. Isn't that why most people lie -- because they're afraid of getting caught? That's obviously no excuse. Nor does it look good that the Democratic leadership in the House wants to know whether Weiner used government resouces while he "exchanged messages and photos of an explicit nature with about six women over the last three years." (Weiner says he doesn't believe he did.)

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi announced just moments after the news conference that she would call "for an Ethics Committee investigation to determine whether any official resources were used or any other violation of House rules occurred." Weiner said afterward that he "will fully cooperate with an investigation by the House ethics committee."

Whether or not Wiener violated House ethics rules, it is already clear that he violated the trust of his constituents. When he lied to reporters, he lied to the American people, who count on journalists to tell them what elected officials are doing on their dime. There's no way to make up for that kind of deceit. The relationship between lawmaker and constituent is forever damaged, and this public servant will never be effective again.

As it stands, Weiner is just holding a seat that the people of New York could put to better use. That's why the congressman has no choice but to resign.


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Sources: CNN, Fox News, Huffington Post, MSNBC, NY Daily News, NY Times, Wikipedia, Youtube, Google Maps

North Carolina Teen Pregnancies Decrease: More Abortions

Teen Pregnancy Rates In North Carolina Reach A Record Low


North Carolina's rate of teenage pregnancy is at a record low, but researchers remain concerned about racial disparities.

The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Campaign of North Carolina said Monday that 56 of every 1,000 girls aged 15 to 19 became pregnant in 2009.

That's down from the 2008 rate of more than 58 per 1,000 girls, and the lowest rate ever recorded.

The group's analysis was based on new data released by the state Department of Health and Human Services.

Pregnancy and Abortion rates for teenagers in North Carolina have been falling since 1991.

But concerns remain. Nonwhite teenagers are much likelier to become pregnant than whites. Rates are also higher in rural counties than in urban areas.


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Sources: CBS News, NY Daily News, Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Campaign of North Carolina, WCNC, Google Maps

Alicia Keys' "Baby Bump" Suits Her Well

Alicia Keys: This Baby bump's for you!



Baby bumps never go out of style among the celebrity set -- and the stars don't let being pregnant slow them down one bit!

Alicia Keys and her fiance, producer Swizz Beatz, are expecting! In March, Keys told U.K. newspaper Daily Record that she is 'very interested in starting a family.'

'It is one of the most beautiful experiences to have in this life and I am looking forward to it when it is my time,' she said.

After months of anticipation, the 29-year-old singer finally showed off her growing bump while performing at the 2010 BET Awards on June 27, 2010. See who else is a parent-to-be.


Sources: NY Daily News

Alicia Keys Preggo? Could Be ("Unthinkable" Video)

Is Alicia Keys Pregnant?


Grammy-winning singer Alicia Keys is rumored to be pregnant.

The New York-bred singer has been involved in a headline-grabbing relationship with hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz since 2008.

Keys has been criticized for breaking up Beatz' marriage to R&B singer Mashonda, with whom the producer has a 3-year-old son. (Beatz and Mashonda's divorce was just finalized yesterday.)

BV Buzz first heard rumblings of Keys being pregnant when a reputable entertainment executive attempted to secure the 'No One' singer for an event this fall and was told that Keys would not be available because she was pregnant.Additional pregnancy rumors circulated online and were published by several celebrity tabloids, yet both Keys and Beatz have remained quiet.

Now photos of the Clive Davis protégé from her tour stop in Europe have surfaced, and it appears that Keys has a baby bump in the pictures.

The 29-year-old singer is scheduled to be one of the headliners at the 2010 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans in July. If Keys is pregnant, she'll need additional camouflaging to hide a baby bump by then.

Many believe that the "home wrecker" allegations have negatively affected Keys' record sales.

Despite five radio singles – among them 'Put it in a Love Song,' featuring Beyonce, and 'Empire State of Mind,' featuring Jay-Z – Keys' latest CD, 'The Element of Freedom,' has only sold 1.2 million copies since its release in December.

Comparatively speaking, her 2001 debut CD 'Songs in A Minor' sold 6.2 million copies; 2003's 'Diary of Alicia Keys' sold 4.4 million copies; and 2007's 'As I Am' sold 3 million copies.

Its suspected that Keys' core fan base, mainly African-America women, have not purchased the CD because it appears she broke up Beatz' marriage.

BV Buzz contacted Keys' publicist, who would not comment on our story.


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Sources: AOL, Black Voices, BET, Roc Nation, Atlantic Records, Universal Music Group, Youtube, Google Maps

Beyonce Pregnancy Report Just Another Media Take Out Rumor

No Baby For Beyonce And Jay-Z: Media Take Out Is Media Fake Out


When it comes to pregnancies, MediaTakeOut.com has been really wrong, with incredible frequency.

It’s also been wrong about Beyonce and husband Jay-Z in general.

So it makes sense that today the site is wrong about everything in one bogus item!

“MTO EXCLUSIVE: Beyonce’s PREGNANT!!!” blares the headline.

Oh, baby.

“MediaTakeOut.com just learned from a ROCK SOLID source that legendary singer Beyonce and her hip hop mogul husband Jay Z are expecting their first child together,” shouts the sloppy site.

No, they aren’t.

“Media Fake Out,” as it’s known, says of Beyonce’s supposed pregnancy, “It’s been a long time waiting… but now it’s finally happened.”

No, it hasn’t.

“You will probably see other news sources pick up on this in coming days,” continues MediaTakeOut, “But when you do — don’t forget where you saw it first.”

Oh, we won’t.

Because we’re going to call out MediaTakeOut.com by name right now… as being completely wrong.

A source close to Beyonce tells Gossip Cop she is not pregnant.

Given MediaTakeOut’s dreadful track record, we have no reason to think otherwise.





Beyonce Pregnant: False Report


UPDATE:
Gossipcop calls the report totally fake and says Beyonce is, according to their sources, not with child. They call Mediatakeout.com "media fake out."

PREVIOUSLY:
Is Beyonce pregnant? Mediatakeout.com reports that she and Jay-Z are expecting their first child.

March 25, 2010. It's been a long time waiting . . . but now it's finally happened. MediaTakeOut.com just learned from a ROCK SOLID source that legendary singer Beyonce and her hip hop mogul husband Jay Z are expecting their first child together.

According to our source Beyonce is doing fine and resting (for now), but she's expected to continue working throughout her pregnancy. And we're also told that Jay Z is EXTREMELY happy to be having his first child with Bey.

Beyonce has spoken about the hard work of having a baby, having watched her younger sister Solange marry and have a son while she was still a teenager.

If it's true, congrats! If not, never mind!

The pair have been married almost two years and she's coming off a world tour.




Media Take Out EXCLUSIVE: BEYONCE'S PREGNANT!!!


It's been a long time waiting . . . but now it's finally happened. MediaTakeOut.com just learned from a ROCK SOLID source that legendary singer Beyonce and her hip hop mogul husband Jay Z are expecting their first child together.

According to our source Beyonce is doing fine and resting (for now), but she's expected to continue working throughout her pregnancy. And we're also told that Jay Z is EXTREMELY happy to be having his first child with Bey.

We and the entire MediaTakeOut.com staff want to wish the happy couple CONGRATS!!!


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Sources: Gossip Cop, Huffington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Media Take Out, Google Maps

Health Care Insurance Companies Denied Coverage For Pregnancy & Acne...Blatant Discrimination

(Pres. Obama targets Health Care Insurance companies.)

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Acne, Pregnancy Among Disqualifying Conditions

A proposal to make preexisting health conditions irrelevant in the sale of insurance policies could help not just the seriously ill but also people who might consider themselves healthy, documents released Friday by a California-based advocacy group illustrate.

Health insurers have issued guidelines saying they could deny coverage to people suffering from such conditions as acne, hemorrhoids and bunions.

One big insurer refused to issue individual policies to police officers and firefighters, along with people in other hazardous occupations.

Some treated pregnancy or the intention to adopt as a reason for rejection.

As Congress and President Obama work on legislation to overhaul the nation's health-care system, one of their main objectives is to stop insurers from denying coverage on the basis of health status. Proposed legislation would prohibit insurers from denying coverage to individuals with preexisting conditions or charging them higher premiums because of their medical history -- practices known as medical underwriting.

Even the insurance lobby has endorsed that goal as part of a larger reform package in which the government would extend coverage to the uninsured, greatly expanding the market for insurance.

Guidelines that insurance companies have written for professionals involved in selling policies offer a glimpse inside the underwriting process.

"What these documents show is the lengths to which insurance companies are willing to go to make a profit," said Jerry Flanagan, health-care policy director of the advocacy group Consumer Watchdog, which distributed the documents Friday. "What it shows is that insurance companies want premiums without any risk."

Consumer Watchdog argues that consumers should be given the option of enrolling in a government-run health plan. It obtained the documents from a California insurance broker, Flanagan said.

A PacifiCare "Medical Underwriting Guidelines" document from 2003 lists under "Ineligible Occupations" such risk-takers as stunt people, test pilots and circus workers -- along with police officers, firefighters and migrant workers.

Uninsurable conditions included pregnancy, and being an "expectant father" was grounds for "automatic rejection." So was having received "therapy/counseling" within six months of the application. There was also this more general disqualifier: "currently experiencing/experienced within the last 12 months symptoms for which a physician has not been consulted."

The PacifiCare document "is completely outdated and predates the acquisition of PacifiCare by United Healthcare," Cheryl J. Randolph, a spokeswoman for the parent company, said by e-mail. She declined to provide current underwriting documents.

"Underwriting enables insurers to adequately assess risks, keeping premium costs lower for more consumers," she added.

Health Net guidelines for 2006 say that people could be denied coverage or charged higher premiums if they were taking certain medications, including Zyrtec, an allergy remedy, and Lamisil, which is widely advertised as a treatment for toenail fungus.

Pregnant women could be rejected, as could expectant fathers, the document said.

A Health Net spokeswoman did not respond to requests to comment.

Blue Cross of California guidelines for 2004 said potential disqualifiers included chronic tonsillitis and, under certain circumstances, varicose veins.

Kristin E. Binns, a spokeswoman for parent company WellPoint, said by e-mail that she could not comment on the guidelines because they are from years ago.



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Sources: Washington Post, MSNBC, Huffington Post, Google Maps