Those Against Funding for IUDs

Contrary to the first article that I read, the next article that I read discusses the refusal of government funding and the effects from this. I interpret the main point of the article written by Tara Culp-Ressler, “ColoradoRepublicans Refuse to Fund Award-Winning IUD Program that Reduced Teen Births,” featured in Think Progress, as being to give more insight regarding the vote to eliminate IUDs. The article states that there was a significant drop in teen birth rates in Colorado. As I understand, the article explains that IUDs are an effective as well as recommended option for teens. Ressler explains that the Colorado Family Planning Initiative is in jeopardy because the private donation that started the initiative is running out, and now the funds from the government have been denied. Ressler also discusses that despite the fact that a small number of pro-life people compare IUDs to having an abortion, the number of abortions nationally would dissipate with the use of IUDs. I'm not sure that I would agree that using IUDs as a form of birth control can be compared to abortion. 

                It is stated in the article that “reproductive health professionals are not pleased with outcome of the legislative fight.” I find myself wondering who exactly these health professional are. I found it quite surprising that IUDs helped to contribute to “a staggering 40 percent drop in the state’s teen birth rate over the past five years.” This is a large number of babies that were prevented when unplanned. Was this number based solely on the use of IUDs, or was it based on other methods of birth control through family planning programs?

                I am questioning who the initial private donor that funded the start of the Colorado Planning Initiative might be? The article mentions that they will “be left scrambling for alternative funding sources.” Are there other sources that could be used, or maybe even a foundation set up specifically for those that are in support of funding for this type of birth control? I question whether or not all methods of receiving funds have been explored, or if this program was only waiting on government funding.  I think that the article is a biased by pointing the finger at Republicans, but there are some valid points offered as well.