Birth Control One of the Most Disruptive Ideas in Business, says Bloomberg Businessweek

Planned Parenthood Applauds Recognition of Birth Control as a Driver of Women’s Economic Security, Urges Greater Access

WASHINGTON, DC -- On the heels of a Bloomberg Businessweek article ranking birth control as one of the top ten most disruptive business ideas in the magazine’s 85-year history, Planned Parenthood Federation of America released the following statement highlighting the fundamental tie between women’s reproductive health and economic freedom.  

Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards released the following statement:

“It’s a fact that birth control is a top economic driver for women, and therefore we couldn’t agree more with Bloomberg Businessweek’s analysis that the invention of the pill is one of the top 10 most transformative moments in the business sector over the last 85 years.  Access to birth control has not just opened up educational and career opportunities for women, but it has catapulted women into more management roles.  In fact, a study showed that the pill is responsible for one-third of women’s wage gains relative to men since the 1960s.

“Because birth control is one of the most important drivers of women’s economic stability — and leads to better health outcomes for women and their children, which benefits our entire workforce in the long-run — we urge our leaders to work to reduce barriers to birth control.  Study after study shows that when women control the timing and spacing of their children, they finish school, pursue their career, and succeed.  Without affordable and easily obtainable birth control, coupled with safe and legal abortion, women cannot achieve economic stability.”

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 700 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.