After being laid off and having health insurance expire, I was faced with the dilemma of paying for my gynecological annual exam out-of-pocket or waiting for new employment and health insurance benefits. I attempted to extend my birth control pill prescription a few more months until my new benefits kicked in, but my gynecologist said no more refills as I was overdue my exam three months already. This denial came even after my explanation of my financial circumstances. I might add that I am not a high-risk patient - except that I could now be pregnant. The ability for me to plan when I have a family is imperative. Having children is a huge responsibility and I will never regard it so lightly. The fact now is that I may be faced with many new medical dangers with an unplanned and undesired pregnancy. My doctor has chosen to protect himself while exposing me to a pandora's box of new health issues related to the risks involved with emergency contraception and/or the scen! arios involved in an unwanted pregnancy. Texas women need birth control pills without a prescription! And where can women in Texas go when they need the options to control pregnancy without a costly doctor visit?

"Terri"