Birth control while out of status?

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Does anyone else believe that this lady just wants to get pregnant? I think it's brilliant ma'am. Tell your husband, "Honey, I am out of the pill and I can't go to the doctor because my I-94 is expired." Absoluetely brilliant, something I hope my Thai fiancée wouldn't think up.

All the best to your new family!

This is totally uncalled for and out of line. There is nothing to indicate this attitude by anything the OP has written. If you have nothing useful to add to the conversation then there is no need to say anything at all.

Edited June 29, 2009 by Kathryn41

[thongd4me 69]

Ok... This is rather embarrassing, and I aplogize if it's unusual or beyond the scope of this forum, but I'm not sure where else to get an answer. Most of the people here have seemed pretty cool so far, so perhaps you can be of some help...

My I-94 expired a few days ago, and through some past misunderstanding of certain rules, I am now in the position of being "out of status" until I get my NOA1 for AOS. The timing is rather bad, as I have just realized I'm out of birth control pills (I can already hear the snickering, but I am being serious), and am now unsure if it's safe for me to go to a doctor or clinic. In case you're wondering where I got them before, I stocked up on them before leaving for the US (point being that I have not yet established myself at any sort of medical facility here thus far). According to my husband, almost any place where you become a new patient requires some form of ID and writing down a bunch of personal info. He mentioned a place called "Planned Parenthood," saying they're more low-key and care about privacy. But he thinks even they require ID (besides my old Thailand ID card, all I have is my passport w/expired I-94), and I'm guessing their privacy policy may not apply when it comes to "illegal aliens".

Have any of the female readers here ever been in such a situation? (Or guys with their wife or girlfriend?). I suppose it could apply to being out of status and receiving any kind of first time health care in the US. Anyway, if we try anywhere, I'm guessing we'll try "Planned Parenthood." Some ideas I have include: 1). Showing up with my husband and showing them my Thai ID card, along with perhaps our marriage license, but pretending to have forgetten my passport. 2). Showing up with my passport but first removing my I-94. My K-1 visa inside my passport says the K-1 petition expires in early June, and that the K-1 visa itself expires in September. I know that technically the K-1 expires as soon as an immigrant enters the US, but I highly doubt that the average healthcare receptionist knows this.. Maybe this plus my marriage license if asked for would suffice.

Another aspect I'm wondering about is... My husband said most places usually make you write your social security number down on the "new patient" info. Given the extent to which information systems are integrated these days, I wonder if entering my SSN into their computer system could somehow show pull up a "red flag" showing them I'm out of status. I could say I don't have my SSN yet, but if they for some reason needed his, I wonder if it could then pull up mine since we're married (and somehow show a red flag). I'm guessing these SSN concerns are quite unlikely, but I don't know how this stuff works and want to be extra careful for obvious reasons.

I know what most of you are probably thinking... "Why can't her husband just keep it in his pants for a month?" It's not all about sex though. I get bad acne when going off the pill, and feel quite sick for a week or two. It's really a major hassle. "Not as big a hassle as deportation" is what I predict some may write. But for those who actually know a little about the healthcare system here or have by chance been in a similar situation, I would like to know your thoughts so I can accurately assess the situation. If you think it's a big risk, do tell me. Or if you think I'm being paranoid, tell me too. Some last info: We would be walking and/or taking the bus there to avoid the risk of getting pulled over by the police on the way there. And it appears there are no CBP (Customs and Border Protection) stations close to where I live.

Only 2 points that I may venture into:

As far as planned parenthood or any other healthcare provider compromising your immigration status, I wouldn't worry about that. They would be out of business if word got out in a bad way regarding that.

About the SSN, the ONLY people you give that to are your employer, your bank, your insurance company,

homeland security and the IRS.

Doctors can NOT refuse you treatment for not giving them your SSN. I never do, even if they claim it's for

"recordkeeping" reasons. By law it's your right to refuse that.

[bhajishah 4]

In america there is birth control for anyone anywhere. Go to a neighborhood free clinic (we started two here for immigrants and the like). Besides because of HIPPA laws, Medical practiotiners cannot give out information to ANYONE without your consent.