The Debate on Birth Control

By: Serene Hwang

Since the beginning of human civilization, birth control has been used by women to prevent pregnancies. From IUDs to hormonal pills, contraceptive methods have advanced significantly over the years and women now have multiple safe and effective options to choose from. Birth control is utilized today to plan pregnancies, alleviate menstrual symptoms, and treat hormonal abnormalities. As education on its health benefits spreads, the use of different birth control methods is becoming more popularized in America. Just from 2015 to 2017, 72.2 million women aged between 15 and 49 reported having used some form of contraception (Daniels et al.). Helping prevent unwanted pregnancies to treating female reproductive disorders, hormonal contraceptives are a necessity for women’s health, not a luxury. 

Birth control can improve painful premenstrual symptoms, acne, and even mental health for many women. According to a research report by Guttmacher Institute, about 58% of women who take oral contraceptive pills do so for reasons other than preventing pregnancy, such as treating menstrual cramps (Jones). For women with disorders such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and endometriosis, hormonal birth control may even be necessary to live a normal life without chronic pain. It is evident that contraceptive methods are an important aspect of women’s health and are not just used to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Women are entitled to easily access treatment for their health conditions, even if that may be birth control. 

Although it is obvious that many women rely on birth control for their physical and mental health, some argue that access to female contraceptives should be banned or at least limited to some extent. Huge opponents to accessible birth control are religious organizations who believe that women using birth control to prevent pregnancies promotes promiscuity, something they deem “unholy”. In July 2020, CNBC reported that a bill was passed by the Supreme Court which would allow employers to deny their workers coverage for free contraceptives if they had religious reasoning (Higgins et al.). Since birth control was initially developed to prevent pregnancies, it is not completely invalid to believe that it would encourage premarital sexual relations. Would not temporary sterility embolden women who could escape the consequences of their actions?

As persuasive as the counter argument may be, it is extremely important to consider what the effects of denying women access to birth control would have on our society. In a TedTalk, Melinda Gates explains how her Catholic high school taught her to question religious teachings and think for herself, which included the traditionally held belief about contraceptives (Gates). Even under religion, it is vital for people to be able to think and make decisions for themselves. It is an undeniable right that every human being is entitled to. Moreover, having the right to choose when to get pregnant is a form of self autonomy; women should always be able to make decisions for their own bodies. Birth control is a way to plan for the future and, for women with certain disorders, even a necessity to live a happy and fulfilling life. Limiting access to affordable birth control equates to limiting the rights of the female population as a whole. 

Hundreds of years ago, women did not have the ability to control their pregnancies nore treat hormonal issues. However, the medical field has advanced greatly and women today have various options to support their reproductive health. The next steps taken should be to move forward as a country, not go back. This can be achieved by making birth control more affordable and accessible for every woman, no matter their background or circumstances. Opposers of accessible birth control will remain but women’s reproductive rights should always be prioritized.