I'm looking forward to the year 2040, because that is when we won't be debating anymore whether birth control belongs in a basic health plan.
Why? Because by then this fight over the obvious just has to have settled into broad acceptance. I could be wrong, of course. Foes of birth control could persist, citing religious objections. One hopes they move on.
In the meantime, lawsuits are flying to challenge the part of the Affordable Care Act requiring contraceptive coverage in employee health care plans. Rulings in the lower courts are all over the place, and so the matter seems likely to end up in the U.S. Supreme Court.
The theme here is: Times Change. If the justices rule against the birth-control requirement, they will only be delaying the inevitable.
The Book of Leviticus calls for executing adulterers. We don't kill adulterers today, though some cultures still execute the women involved. (In the United States, even a light stoning would bring charges of assault.)
There was a time when Medicare went against the conservative creed. For many, fighting the birth-control mandate seems another means of harassing the health care reforms.
In 1961, Ronald Reagan bashed the proposed Medicare program in a recording titled, "Ronald Reagan speaks out against SOCIALIZED MEDICINE." He melodramatically warned that if Medicare wasn't stopped, "you and I are going to spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it once was like in America when men were free."
Today, nearly 50 years after the program's creation, most conservatives talk of "saving" the program for future generations.
Their idea of saving it might be letting private insurers cut the guts out of benefits. They might want means-testing to the point that Medicare becomes a program for the poor — and Americans with money won't care whether it lives or dies. Neither approach would leave Medicare the universal benefit most Americans know and cherish, but no serious politician tars it as a path to socialist dictatorship.
Yes, contraception is a somewhat different situation. It goes against Roman Catholic doctrine, even though the vast majority of Catholic women have used birth control without apology. Church leaders challenge the part of ObamaCare requiring such coverage for employees at their hospitals, colleges and charities.
Accommodating people of faith — and some evangelicals oppose birth control, as well — would seem a reasonable thing to do. But only up to a point. I recall a conversation not long ago with a Christian Brother, member of a male religious community within the Catholic Church that does wonderful work with young people. One case involved the daughter of an impoverished immigrant having her second baby at age 16.
I asked him, "Shouldn't she be getting in touch with birth control?" He shrugged and pointed to his collar. I was not sure whether his shrug meant, "Yes, but I'm not allowed," or, "You know I don't believe in birth control."
To me, the most humane approach would have been to get this girl a health care provider able to dispense contraceptives. Sure, female lawyers, teachers and middle-class homemakers could pay extra for their own, if it came down to that (and it shouldn't). But the poor most need this kind of coverage. Given the economic and social afflictions tied to unplanned teenage pregnancies, it would also seem a compelling state interest.
Note that I didn't get into the feminist argument here, though one can be made. Let's keep this simple: Contraception is so obviously a basic in any health care plan. It's only a matter of time before we stop making an issue out of it. May that time be short.
(A member of the Providence Journal editorial board, Froma Harrop writes a nationally syndicated column from that city. She has written for such diverse publications as The New York Times, Harper's Bazaar and Institutional Investor.)

DANBURY, NH — Susan Fullerton, 55, of Danbury, passed away tragically on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 in an automobile accident.
Born on July 26, 1957, in Concord, MA, she was the daughter of Roy and Bernice (Medeiros) Fullerton. Susan spent her early years in Carlisle, MA before moving to Moultonborough with her family where she graduated from the Moultonborough Academy.
Susan was considered by most a "jack of all trades" as she held many different types of jobs throughout her working career; she was currently the manager of Woodpecker's Restaurant. She loved nature and enjoyed many long and vigorous hikes throughout the areas many trails. She loved cooking, especially baking and was always looking forward to the holidays where she could spend time with her beloved family.
Susan was a very giving and generous person who touched many lives; she always put others before herself.
She is predeceased by her father, Roy Fullerton.
Susan is survived by her beloved fiancé Alan Giordano, of Danbury; mother, Bernice Fullerton, of Moultonborough; children, Wendy Burgess and significant other Dustin Cousins, of Meredith, Kristoffer Burgess and wife Moriah, of Meredith; three brothers, John Fullerton and wife Susanne, of Moultonborough, Alan Fullerton, of Largo, FL, and Roy Fullerton, of Sanbornton; uncle, Raymond Medeiros, of MA; five grandchildren, Angelo, Joshua, Alexis, Kaelyn, and Colton; best friend, Donna House, of Meredith; and many numerous extended family members throughout the area.
Calling hours will be held at Mayhew Funeral Home (Rtes. 3 & 104), in Meredith, on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 from 6:00pm through 8:00pm. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment will be private.
Donations in Susan's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave, 7th Floor, NY, NY 10001. www.alzfdn.org
Mayhew Funeral Homes & Crematorium of Meredith and Plymouth are handling the arrangements. For Susan's Book of Memories: www.mayhewfuneralhomes.com

SANBORNTON — Mildred "Millie" (Scott) Piscopo, 88, of Sanbornton, NH passed peacefully on January 23, 2013.
Born January 1, 1925 she was the daughter of Robert and Elspeth (Taylor) Scott, who were originally of Glasgow, Scotland. Mrs. Piscopo was predeceased by her loving husband of 60 years, John A. Piscopo, her parents, and a brother, Robert Scott.
She is survived by her three children, John A. Piscopo II of Boca Raton, Florida, James S. Piscopo (and wife Nicole) of Sanbornton, and daughter, Cynthia Piscopo Howland of Pompano Beach, Florida. She leaves four grandsons, Justin ( and wife Michelle) Piscopo of Sanbornton, Corey Piscopo ( and wife Kristin) of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, J. Austin Piscopo of Sanbornton, NH and John Piscopo III of Boca Raton, Florida. She leaves also several nephews and nieces including Nina Contigiani Turner, Peggy Dea, Robert Scott, Richard Scott and John Harkins.
Mrs. Piscopo graduated from Laconia High School and Empire Beauty School in Boston. She and her husband owned and managed Mt. View Cottages and Motel on Lake Winnisquam for many years.
She was an accomplished and well known artist in the Lakes Region and was known for her New England oil paintings. She enjoyed several recent winters in Florida with family where she also perfected her use of water colors. Mildred was outgoing and known for her ever present smile and joy, and her love for her family.
Calling hours will be held at The Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH from 4-6 pm on Monday, January 28, 2013 followed by a funeral service at 6 pm, also at the funeral home.
Spring burial will be in Union Cemetery in Laconia.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N. H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com