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111 Birth control Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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111 Birth Control Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Birth control is a highly debated and controversial topic that has been discussed for decades. With its widespread availability and various methods, birth control has become a crucial aspect of reproductive health. If you are assigned an essay on birth control, it is essential to choose a compelling topic that will engage your readers and demonstrate your knowledge on the subject. To help you get started, here are 111 birth control essay topic ideas and examples:

• The evolution of birth control methods throughout history.
• The moral and ethical implications of birth control.
• The impact of birth control on women's empowerment.
• The correlation between access to birth control and reduced abortion rates.
• The effectiveness and safety of hormonal birth control methods.
• The cultural and societal attitudes towards birth control in different countries.
• The role of birth control in family planning.
• The influence of religion on birth control decisions.
• The relationship between birth control and population control.
• The impact of birth control on sexual behavior and attitudes.
• The accessibility and affordability of birth control in low-income communities.
• The controversy surrounding emergency contraception (the morning-after pill).
• The role of male contraception in preventing unwanted pregnancies.
• The impact of birth control on mental health.
• The correlation between birth control use and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• The benefits and drawbacks of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods.
• The influence of pharmaceutical companies on birth control accessibility.
• The impact of birth control on economic stability and career advancement for women.
• The role of birth control education in schools.
• The relationship between birth control and reproductive rights.
• The impact of birth control on maternal and infant health outcomes.
• The effectiveness of natural birth control methods (e.g., fertility awareness).
• The influence of social media on birth control decisions among young adults.
• The impact of birth control on the LGBTQ+ community.
• The role of birth control in reducing teenage pregnancy rates.
• The impact of birth control on breastfeeding and lactation.
• The correlation between birth control use and reduced menstrual pain.
• The influence of cultural norms and traditions on birth control decisions.
• The role of birth control in reducing maternal mortality rates.
• The impact of birth control on sexual satisfaction and pleasure.
• The relationship between birth control and gender equality.
• The effectiveness of male sterilization (vasectomy) as a birth control method.
• The influence of political ideologies on birth control policies.
• The impact of birth control on the environment.
• The correlation between birth control use and educational attainment.
• The role of birth control in reducing infant mortality rates.
• The accessibility and usage of birth control among marginalized communities.
• The influence of media portrayal on birth control perceptions.
• The impact of birth control on menstrual irregularities.
• The effectiveness and acceptance of non-hormonal birth control methods.
• The relationship between birth control and sexual consent.
• The role of birth control in preventing reproductive coercion.
• The impact of birth control on gender dynamics within relationships.
• The correlation between birth control use and reduced teenage substance abuse.
• The influence of healthcare policies on birth control access.
• The impact of birth control on menstrual hygiene management.
• The effectiveness of birth control education programs in schools.
• The relationship between birth control and maternal mental health.
• The role of birth control in reducing unintended pregnancies among college students.
• The impact of birth control on body image and self-esteem.
• The correlation between birth control use and reduced domestic violence rates.
• The influence of peer pressure on birth control decisions.
• The impact of birth control on the LGBTQ+ youth mental health.
• The effectiveness of hormonal birth control methods in managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• The relationship between birth control and sexual consent among adolescents.
• The role of birth control in reducing child marriages.
• The impact of birth control on the gender wage gap.
• The correlation between birth control use and reduced maternal depression.
• The influence of sex education programs on birth control knowledge and usage.
• The impact of birth control on women's healthcare access in developing countries.
• The effectiveness of birth control in preventing ovarian and endometrial cancers.
• The relationship between birth control and body autonomy.
• The role of birth control in reducing infant mortality among minority communities.
• The impact of birth control on menstrual migraines.
• The correlation between birth control use and reduced HIV transmission rates.
• The influence of parental consent laws on birth control access for minors.
• The impact of birth control on male fertility and reproductive health.
• The effectiveness of birth control methods for women with disabilities.
• The relationship between birth control and sexual satisfaction among older adults.
• The role of birth control in reducing maternal disabilities.
• The impact of birth control on menstrual disorders (e.g., endometriosis, fibroids).
• The correlation between birth control use and reduced gender-based violence.
• The influence of abstinence-only education on birth control decisions.
• The impact of birth control on sexual desire and libido.
• The effectiveness of emergency contraception in preventing pregnancies.
• The relationship between birth control and reproductive justice.
• The role of birth control in reducing maternal substance abuse.
• The impact of birth control on menstrual-related absenteeism in schools and workplaces.
• The correlation between birth control use and reduced maternal stress.
• The influence of healthcare provider bias on birth control access.
• The impact of birth control on sexual consent in long-term relationships.
• The effectiveness of birth control in preventing cervical and uterine cancers.
• The relationship between birth control and body positivity.
• The role of birth control in reducing infant mortality among low-income families.
• The impact of birth control on menstrual-related mood disorders (e.g., PMDD).
• The correlation between birth control use and reduced sexual coercion rates.
• The influence of sex education on birth control decisions among teenagers.
• The impact of birth control on women's career choices and opportunities.
• The effectiveness of birth control methods for women with chronic illnesses.
• The relationship between birth control and sexual satisfaction among LGBTQ+ individuals.
• The role of birth control in reducing maternal malnutrition.
• The impact of birth control on menstrual-related chronic pain.
• The correlation between birth control use and reduced adolescent substance abuse.
• The influence of religious exemptions on birth control access.
• The impact of birth control on intergenerational poverty.
• The effectiveness of birth control in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• The relationship between birth control and reproductive health disparities.
• The role of birth control in reducing maternal substance use disorders.
• The impact of birth control on menstrual-related sleep disorders.
• The correlation between birth control use and reduced maternal anxiety.
• The influence of cultural taboos on birth control decisions.
• The impact of birth control on menstrual-related eating disorders.
• The effectiveness of birth control methods in preventing ectopic pregnancies.
• The relationship between birth control and sexual satisfaction among survivors of sexual assault.

Remember to choose a topic that interests you and aligns with your essay's objective. Conduct thorough research, gather supporting evidence, and present a well-structured argument to effectively convey your ideas. Good luck with your birth control essay!

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Birth Control - Free Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

Birth control, a critical aspect of reproductive health, enables individuals and couples to plan if or when they want to have children. Essays might explore the various methods of birth control, the history of birth control advocacy, and the societal implications of accessible contraception. Discussions could delve into the challenges faced in promoting birth control in different cultural or religious contexts, and the impacts of birth control on gender equality, economic stability, and public health. They might also discuss the controversial political and moral debates surrounding birth control, and the role of education in fostering informed decisions regarding reproductive health. We have collected a large number of free essay examples about Birth Control you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Effects Birth Control have on Women

Most believe that birth control serves one purpose to prevent pregnancy. While it's very effective compared to other forms of contraceptives, the effects aren't just limited to pregnancy prevention. Its also known to be used to help treat other health concerns such as menstrual relief, skin changes, and more. Birth control has different side effects on women because of different hormone levels and each birth control carries different level of progestin and/or estrogen. Given the grueling horror stories we hear […]

The Morality of Birth Control

American Educator, birth control activist, sex educator, writer, and nurse Margaret Sanger has written numerous pieces about women empowering. One of her most popular speeches, "The Morality of Birth Control," is intended for women and America as a nation. It is spoken for women that feel like they have no way out of the risks of sex, including pregnancy. It can also be intended for men, in order to be aware of what women go through and that they will […]

The Importance of Sex Education

“This is the real world, and in the real world, you need protection,” – Cherie Richards. Students, specifically teenagers, need correct information and the right resources to learn, help and protect themselves. When students have no knowledge whatsoever, they turn to media or even pornography to get information because their parents aren’t open enough about sex or the topic. Sex education is a type of teaching where students are taught about sexuality, contraceptive methods, how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, […]

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Should Birth Control be Free?

Family planning is used by 57 percent of married or in-union women of reproductive age according to a study conducted in 2015 by the United Nations. This displays the impact that contraceptives have worldwide and creates a question of equality within health care, "Is birth control a fundamental right or a privilege?" Even though the use of birth control is increasing, a study by the UN estimates that over 214 million women are not using safe and effective family planning […]

The Effects of Nicotine on Child Development and Birth Control

Why is nicotine bad on physical development? Nicotine and other poisonous chemicals in tobacco products cause, diseases, heart problems, and cancer, because it makes it difficult for blood to flow throughout the body, making you tired and cranky. Not only does it harm development and the body but robs you of your money, people find themselves addicted and pay for more, these products can add up to be expensive. Your body knows you shouldn't be using it when your lungs […]

An Issue of Women’s Reproductive Rights

We hold these truths to be self-evident: that men and women are created equal (Elizabeth Cady Stanton). In America this has been the basis of what our nation stands for. It is stated that every citizen has the right to equality that shall not be stripped away, in many cases that is not true. Whether man or women you should possess the same rights, but more often than not the women's rights are taken away. There are many instances in […]

Moral Issues Birth Control

Birth control is a sensitive topic in society, especially the Catholic faith. The Catholic faith has taught that birth control is a sin for many reasons. In 1968, Pope Paul VI issued his landmark encyclical letter Humanae Vitae which reemphasized the Church's constant teaching that it is always intrinsically wrong to use contraception to prevent new human beings from coming into existence (Carr, 2004). The Catholic Church has always taught that preventing procreation in any way is wrong and that […]

The Right to Birth Control

According to the National Health Statistics Reports, in the United States as of 2013, 99 percent of sexually active women aged 15-44 have used at least one contraceptive method (Contraceptive Use in the United States). This means that of the large population of women having sexual intercourse, almost all of them use or have used contraception of some sort in their lives. The accessibility and high rates of usage were not always that high. Previous to 1972, women had substantial […]

Abortion on Teens should be Abolished

Am sure we have all heard of the girl meets boy story, where the girl falls in love with the boy despite receiving plenty of warnings and criticism from any person who has ever mattered in the girl's life. Everything is merry and life is good for the girl until one day she realizes she has missed her period and rushes to her man's home telling herself that everything will be okay. Reality checks in, hard, when the boy declines […]

One to Two Lines: Decoding Birth Control Effectiveness and Choices

Abstract This paper illustrates the different types of contraceptives available to the public. We studied each type of birth control and show the reader which method best suits their needs for protection. Throughout this paper, we cover the pros and cons of each birth control measure to give the reader a comprehensive understanding of each method. This paper discusses contraceptives available for both men and women. STDs, teenage pregnancy, and hormonal imbalances can be common if birth control is used […]

Birth Control a Mixed Issue Today

Birth control has become a mixed issue today in our society. The types of birth control that can be used vary , while the side effects aren't being explained to the women and our younger generation who use them .The most common birth controls are the pill and Depo-Provera . Both birth controls were made to prevent pregnancy but both have horrible side effects that can mess with your body in the long run . In 1960-1970 the first clinical […]

The Second Wave of Feminism

The Second Wave of feminism, also known as the Women’s Movement, gave women greater personal freedoms, such as the right to work outside of the home, political freedoms, family, and reproductive rights. The second wave also drew attention to domestic violence and rape in relationships/marriages. Even though the years of The Second Wave Movement is often argued about, it is said that the second wave officially started in 1963 and ended in the early 1980s. The Women’s Movement was influenced […]

Birth Control in Many Different Forms

According to HHS.gov, every year out of 100 women using birth control, only about 5 to 9 may become pregnant due to not using birth control correctly. Around 1960, the first oral contraceptive known as Enovid, was approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a use of contraception. (Thompson). In 1968, the FDA approved intrauterine devices (IUDs). (Thompson). In 1972, the Supreme Court legalized birth control for all citizens of the U.S. (Thompson). In the 1980s, pills with […]

Birth Controll Pills

Far and away the most common method of birth control today is the birth control pill. The pill contains a combination of two female hormones, estrogen and progestin, it prevents the body from releasing an egg from the ovary and it also thickens up the mucus at the cervix. In addition, the pill is harmless and in fact, birth control pills are even safer for teenagers than for adults. However, the pill is not relatively easy to obtain, it requires […]

Birth Control: Precaution or Deleterious Action?

Birth control, known for preventing pregnancy, takes various forms: pills, sponges, vaginal rings, patches, condoms, and more. It was legalized by the Supreme Court during the Baird V. Eisenstadt case in 1972 (Thompson). Some women were ecstatic when it was legalized, seeing it as a way to have control over their lives—not only in terms of pregnancy but also in regulating their menstrual cycles. I was in the seventh grade when I first encountered birth control. Like other girls, I […]

Birth Control Coverage a Woman’s Demanded Right

A huge part of being a woman is motherhood. It is a very precious concept that should be considered whenever a woman is capable of caring for a child emotionally, physically, and financially. However, sometimes accidents happen. Birth control is one of the most efficient and responsible solutions to avoid unwanted pregnancy especially in teens. In today's society, there has been an increase of birth control usage in the United States. Mostly all women of age to conceive who have […]

Abstinence-only Sex Education

The United States government claims that abstinence-only is the best form of sexual education, however I believe that abstinence-only programs are counterproductive. They ignore contraceptive effectiveness, disregard spreading of sexually transmitted infections, and prevent the exploration of sexuality. Abstinence-only sexual education is ideologically skewed because it focuses on teaching only about abstinence and how to maintain it. Rather than providing information about safe ways to have intercourse, it is encouraged to abstain from all sexual activities until marriage. Emphasizing abstinence […]

Birth Control Implant Implanon

Birth control implants are devices that go under the skin of a woman, they release a hormone that prevents pregnancy. Two similar implants available in the US are Implanon and Nexplanon, which is gradually replacing Implanon. Each implant is a plastic stick the size of a match. The bars contain a form of the hormone progesterone called etonogestrel. What To Expect In The Doctor's OfficeYour doctor or other health care provider will inject medicine to put your skin on the […]

Birth Control for Minors

Introduction According to the CDC, even though United States is one of the top industrial nations in the world, our nation has the most teenage pregnancies, in the latest statistics ""in 2017 a total of 194,377 babies were born to teenage mothers age 15 to 19 years old. (CDC, 2019). Unfortunately, about 50% of these teen Moms will drop out of high school and many will live in poverty. Despite these high rates of births, the question and dilemma is […]

Birth Control: a Necessity or Luxury?

Sex. Birth Control. Sex Ed. These are all words that tend to make most people uncomfortable. But, why? What is the stigma behind these small words and phrases that tends to make people jump at the mention? The reality is, most people are under-educated on these phrases. Most don’t realize how much of an impact birth control can have on people’s lives. It allows safe sex, choosing when you get to have children, relief from period pain, acne, polycystic ovary […]

Birth Control Education for Middle School Aged Adolescents

Sex is the tool used by humans to procreate. Reproduction is not the only way that sex benefits the human race. Sex has always been sold as a ware, considered a de-stressing pastime, or a physical way for two romantic partners to display their love for one another in an intimate fashion. Young adults who are only beginning to understand their bodies and the many things they can do with them tend to be illiterate in sexual education. Instead of […]

Abortion is a Choice

Abortion is a choice, but that doesn’t mean that it’s the right one. In October of 1997 a woman was told by a hospital physician that she needed to have an abortion because her son had Choroid Plexus Cysts caused by a defect in his 18th paired chromosome. They told her he wouldn’t be normal, and that if she carried him to term; he would have severe disabilities. The doctors told her that her son would be incapable of doing anything […]

Balancing Acts: Navigating the Complexities of Birth Control Choices

Birth control holds a multifaceted position in the realm of reproductive health, providing individuals with the autonomy to navigate their bodies and family planning choices. Its efficacy in preventing unintended pregnancies has earned widespread acclaim, yet birth control methods present a spectrum of advantages and drawbacks, exerting influence over personal, social, and health-related dimensions of individuals' lives. Pros of Birth Control: Empowering Family Planning: Birth control stands as a cornerstone in empowering individuals to plan and space pregnancies, offering greater […]

Why Birth Control is Important: Addressing Teen Pregnancy and STD Rates

The United States ranks first in high teen pregnancy rates and sexually transmitted diseases. Since 2011, 400,000 girls between the age of 15-19 years old have given birth every year (Stanger-Hall, and Hall). So why is nothing being done about it? Why is the government putting these programs that are not helping the statistics go down in place? The Controversy of Abstinence-Only Education While some may argue abstinence-only education is the best way to keep teens and even middle schoolers […]

Analysis of the Affordable Care Act and the Birth Control Pill

Obamacare was signed into law in March 2010. The law covers various types of health plans, benefits, and services. Just years ago millions of women were paying for or couldn't afford birth control. Now, "an estimated 27 million women are currently benefiting from Obamacare's no-cost services” (Ressler). Birth Control is an ongoing debate on whether the pill itself should be covered for by taxes due to peoples rights and beliefs about its use. Another issue about the contraception is who […]

Abortion and Adoption

Abortion is not as simple as walking into a medical office and having the procedure performed. Although Roe v. Wade made abortion legal in the United States in 1973 women often have to deal with judgment from others including not only protestors but significant others and family members, choosing between abortion and adoption, emotional stress possibly from the reason they are needing an abortion, physical complications, as well as state governments trying to take away their right to have an […]

A Minor’s Decision

A Minor’s DecisionIf a minor can make the decision to have sex, then they should be able to be allowed to make their own decision concerning the use of birth control. It is your own body, so only you can decide what happens to it. Even though it’s your child, the parents shouldn’t have a say in whether they want birth control or not because it’s not their decision. A minor can choose to discuss it with their parents if […]

Adolescents in the United States

Adolescents in the United States have an unlimited amount of access to a multitude of the different types of mass media, including television, music, movies, and the Internet practically social media sites. The majority of these adolescents tend to utilize their time focusing on the media rather than the education they receive in the school or their parents. The majority of this content idealizes being sexually active, including different types of sex messages with dialogue and content. Few of these […]

Eugenics Continued after World War II

Francis Galton first coined the term eugenics as a philosophy to improve humanity by encouraging people with presumed desirable traits to have children, while discouraging those with unwanted' attributes to refrain from reproducing. Galton's theory developed with the assistance of his increasingly famous second cousin, Charles Darwin, and his theory of evolution (Galton). Eugenics theory gained further popularity throughout the 20th century, captivating the attention of medical and government leaders. This lead to the eventual artificial replication of the survival […]

Abortion is an Exceptionally Touchy Issue

Abortion is an exceptionally touchy issue. Numerous individuals are continually discussing whether abortion should be permitted or not. Pro-life and Pro-choice has been a controversial topic since the early 1820s. A few people think fetus removal is extremely terrible and that it should not be permitted by any means. Although I may not personally participate in abortion,I believe that abortion should be a women’s choice with her body because, America is over populated and underfunded, she knows what type of […]

How to Write an Essay About Birth Control

Understanding the concept of birth control.

Before writing an essay about birth control, it's important to understand what birth control is and the various methods available. Birth control, also known as contraception, refers to methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy. Start your essay by explaining the different types of birth control methods, including hormonal contraception (like pills, patches, and injections), barrier methods (such as condoms and diaphragms), intrauterine devices (IUDs), and natural methods. Discuss the effectiveness, accessibility, and suitability of these methods for different individuals. It’s also crucial to explore the historical development of birth control and its role in the sexual and reproductive health movement.

Developing a Thesis Statement

A strong essay on birth control should be centered around a clear, concise thesis statement. This statement should present a specific viewpoint or argument about birth control. For example, you might explore the impact of birth control on women's health and rights, analyze the social and political challenges surrounding access to contraception, or argue the need for improved sex education in schools. Your thesis will guide the direction of your essay and provide a structured approach to your topic.

Gathering Supporting Evidence

To support your thesis, gather evidence from a variety of sources, including medical studies, public health data, and historical texts. This might include statistics on birth control usage, research findings on the health benefits or risks associated with various contraception methods, or analysis of policy changes affecting birth control access. Use this evidence to support your thesis and build a persuasive argument. Remember to consider different perspectives, including cultural and ethical dimensions of birth control.

Analyzing the Impact of Birth Control

Dedicate a section of your essay to analyzing the impact of birth control on society. Discuss how birth control has transformed women’s health, empowerment, and socioeconomic status. Consider the role of birth control in family planning, population control, and sexual health. Explore the challenges faced in accessing birth control, such as legal restrictions, cultural stigmas, or economic barriers.

Concluding the Essay

Conclude your essay by summarizing the main points of your discussion and restating your thesis in light of the evidence provided. Your conclusion should tie together your analysis and emphasize the importance of birth control in contemporary society. You might also want to suggest areas for future research or action needed to improve access to and understanding of birth control.

Reviewing and Refining Your Essay

After completing your essay, review and refine it for clarity and coherence. Ensure that your arguments are well-structured and supported by evidence. Check for grammatical accuracy and ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to the next. Consider seeking feedback from peers, educators, or healthcare professionals to further improve your essay. A well-written essay on birth control will not only demonstrate your understanding of the topic but also your ability to engage with complex health and social issues.

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An Evidence-Based Update on Contraception

Contraception is widely used in the United States, and nurses in all settings may encounter patients who are using or want to use contraceptives. Nurses may be called on to anticipate how family planning intersects with other health care services and provide patients with information based on the most current evidence. This article describes key characteristics of nonpermanent contraceptive methods, including mechanism of action, correct use, failure rates with perfect and typical use, contraindications, benefits, side effects, discontinuation procedures, and innovations in the field. We also discuss how contraceptive care is related to nursing ethics and health inequities.

Contraception is widely used in the United States, with an estimated 88.2% of all women ages 15 to 44 years using at least one form of contraception during their lifetime. 1 Among women who could become pregnant but don’t wish to do so, 90% use some form of contraception. 2 Thus, nurses in various settings are likely to encounter patients who are using contraception while presenting for a vast range of health care needs. Nurses will have many opportunities to support such patients by coordinating contraceptive use with other treatments, such as by identifying medications that interact with contraceptives or are teratogenic. Some patients, meeting with a nurse on an unrelated matter, may even seize the moment to ask questions about contraception.

Patients are best prepared to make informed decisions about contraceptive use when they have evidence-based information; nurses can better support patients’ reproductive goals by cultivating their own knowledge base. This article will prepare nurses at various practice levels and practice settings to meet the needs of patients who are current or potential contraceptive users. It describes the major categories of nonpermanent contraceptive methods and provides evidence-based updates. We also discuss inequities in contraceptive care that nurses can address using their current clinical knowledge and a reproductive justice approach.

In its position statement on reproductive health, the American Nurses Association (ANA) has asserted that clients have the right to make reproductive health decisions “based on full information and without coercion,” and that nursing professionals must be prepared to discuss “all relevant information about health choices that are legal.” 3 Similarly, the American Academy of Nursing has issued policy recommendations that support “access to safe, quality sexual and reproductive health care and reproductive health care providers.” 4 Aligning with these policies means that, across settings and in accordance with their scope of practice, nurses should be prepared to provide contraceptive counseling, services, and referrals.

Moreover, adopting a reproductive justice approach to care delivery can potentially improve the quality and equity of reproductive health care and outcomes significantly. 5 Reproductive justice is a human rights framework that aligns with the ANA’s Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements , 6 , 7 and functions simultaneously as a theory, a practice, and a strategy. For more details, see Reproductive Justice . 5 , 7 Understanding contraception and contraceptive care in the context of both nursing ethics and reproductive justice will help nurses be best prepared for providing optimal care.

CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS: KEY CONSIDERATIONS

Three main considerations commonly arise in discussions of contraceptive methods: method safety and contraindications, failure rates, and return to fertility.

An important source for data about method safety comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): the U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (U.S. MEC), 8 which categorizes the safety of contraceptive methods in accordance with the specific health concerns of patients (see Table 1 8 ). In this article we’ll highlight the common contraindications and drug interactions categorized as U.S. MEC 4: “A condition that represents an unacceptable health risk if the contraceptive method is used.” 8 We recommend that readers familiarize themselves with the U.S. MEC, which includes a comprehensive list of such conditions; it’s available free online ( www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/rr/pdfs/rr6503.pdf ) and as an app.

U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (U.S. MEC): Categorization of Safety for Specific Health Conditions 8

Failure rates represent a way to assess the efficacy of various contraceptive methods. For a given method, the failure rate is the percentage of users who have an unintended pregnancy during the first year of use; a lower failure rate indicates higher efficacy. For context, consider that up to 85% of women who have unprotected intercourse will experience an unintended pregnancy within a year. 9 Failure rates for perfect and typical use of a given contraceptive method are also distinguished. Perfect use reflects method use when instructions are followed exactly and consistently; typical use reflects real-life use, when the method may not be used consistently or perfectly.

Many people have questions about the timing of return to fertility after stopping contraceptive use. The return to fertility is relatively rapid after cessation of almost all hormonal and nonhormonal methods, with the exception of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). For example, in one study among women who discontinued combined hormonal contraception, pregnancy rates were 57% at three months and 81% at 12 months after cessation. 10 Conversely, ovulation may not resume for 15 to 49 weeks after one’s last DMPA injection, according to one systematic review. 10

Method safety, efficacy, and return to fertility are not the only considerations that influence contraceptive choice. It’s important for nurses and other providers to understand that individuals will value different features of various contraceptive methods. Personal preferences (such as for a hormonal or nonhormonal method, ease and comfort with mode of use, partner acceptance, effects on the sexual experience, strength of desire to avoid pregnancy, and religious or spiritual beliefs and practices), medical considerations (such as whether the method protects against sexually transmitted infections [STIs], potential side effects), and structural factors (such as immediate and ongoing costs, ability to begin or stop use without needing access to health care)—all of these elements play a role. 11 – 14 Seeing the whole picture will better equip nurses to help patients choose a method most aligned with their preferences and needs.

In this article, we describe the most common nonpermanent contraceptive methods; summarize their efficacy, mechanisms of action, uses, common adverse effects, and contraindications; and review the modes of administration of each type. Emergency contraception lies beyond the scope of this article and is not addressed.

HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES

Combined hormonal contraceptives.

(CHCs) are among the most commonly prescribed and well-researched types of medication in use. 1 , 15 Synthetic estrogen and progestin revolutionized modern family planning when this combination first came on the market in pill form in 1960. Today CHCs can be delivered through a pill, patch, or vaginal ring with similar failure rates: less than 1% with perfect use and 7% to 9% with typical use. 9 , 16 , 17

In CHCs, both progestins and estrogen inhibit the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis, which controls the reproductive cycle (see Figure 1 ). 18 Progestins prevent pregnancy by inhibiting the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, thus suppressing ovulation, thickening the cervical mucus, lowering fallopian tube motility, and causing the endometrium to become atrophic. 18 Estrogens prevent pregnancy by suppressing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) production, which prevents the development of a dominant follicle. 18 Progestin is responsible for the majority of both contraceptive action and side effects; the addition of estrogen helps prevent irregular or unscheduled bleeding. 9

The Hormonal Regulation of Ovulation

At left: the hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete the gonadotropins luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). LH and FSH stimulate the growth and maturation of the ovarian follicles. The mature follicle secretes estrogen, inhibiting the hypothalamus from further GnRH production (until the next reproductive cycle). At right: after ovulation, blood levels of LH and FSH fall, and the ruptured follicle, now a corpus luteum, secretes estrogen and progesterone to prepare the uterine lining for fertilization and implantation. Adapted with permission from Encyclopædia Britannica, © 2013 by Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Traditionally, users take CHCs for three weeks, then placebo pills or nothing for one week. The hormone-free week prompts “withdrawal bleeding,” caused by withdrawal from active CHC ingredients, that mimics the menstrual cycle and may provide assurance that the user isn’t pregnant. 18 Nurses can educate their patients that withdrawal bleeding is not actual menses and isn’t clinically necessary. 18 , 19

Common side effects of CHCs include lighter, shorter periods (40% to 50% reduction in menstrual flow); irregular bleeding (breakthrough bleeding or spotting); amenorrhea; nausea; breast tenderness; emotional lability; headaches; and reduced premenstrual syndrome symptoms (such as bloating, cramping, and acne). 18 CHCs are also associated with reduced risk of ovarian, endometrial, and colon cancer, and are essential in treating polycystic ovarian syndrome. 18 As with other methods, it’s difficult to predict which individuals will experience which side effects and how severe these will be. Certain side effects, particularly amenorrhea, may be considered beneficial by some people but unacceptable by others. 20 These may be referred to as “noncontraceptive benefits” of these methods.

CHC contraindications (U.S. MEC 4–category conditions) include being age 35 years or older and smoking 15 or more cigarettes per day; being less than 21 days postpartum; having a systolic blood pressure of 160 mmHg or greater, or a diastolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg or greater; having had major surgery with prolonged immobilization; experiencing migraine with aura; and being at elevated risk for recurrent deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. 8

CHCs are still effective when taken concurrently with many medications, including most commonly used antibiotics. But concurrent use of certain medications—including rifampin (Rifadin) or rifabutin (Mycobutin) therapy, the antiretroviral drug fosamprenavir (Lexiva), and certain anticonvulsants—can reduce CHC effectiveness. 8 In such cases, use of a nonhormonal backup contraceptive method is recommended.

Numerous CHC pills are currently available on the market. Typically, pills contain a ombination of 10 to 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol and one of the four generations of progestins. Different formulations have different side effect profiles, so patients may need to try another formulation if an undesirable side effect occurs.

Pills should be taken at about the same time every day to maintain ovulation suppression. This frequent dosing is one of the major drawbacks of pill use, and missing a pill is common, regardless of age. 16 In general, nurses should counsel patients that a missed pill should be taken as soon as it is remembered. Ovulation suppression is not guaranteed if more than 48 hours have elapsed since the last pill was taken. Missing a single pill will have little effect on effectiveness, but if two pills are missed, the most recent pill should be taken as soon as possible, and a backup method (such as condoms) should be used for seven days. 18

Pills can be initiated at any time. A “Sunday start” has been popular in the past because it typically ensures that the withdrawal bleed does not occur on weekend days. Recently, a “quick start,”starting the pill on the day of visit, has become more popular because, at least initially, it’s associated with better adherence, and there is no increase in the incidence of irregular bleeding. 21

Extended and continuous use are increasingly popular dosing regimens. Extended use involves using the CHC for longer than the typical month-long cycle, thereby giving the user an extended time between withdrawal bleeds. This can be achieved by taking pills specifically designed for such regimens or by simply skipping the placebo pills in a 28-day pill pack (though users will run out of pills more quickly). Continuous use involves taking CHCs without interruption for an indefinite time. Extended and continuous use regimens have been associated with improved ovulation suppression, increased medication adherence, high user acceptability, decreases in scheduled bleeding, and less breakthrough bleeding over time. 19 , 22 Moreover, decreasing or eliminating periods can be preferable for patients who have period-related mood changes, headaches, painful cramping, heavy menses, or other estrogen-related changes. While extended and continuous use regimens have primarily been studied regarding CHC pills, there is evidence of similar efficacy among CHC patch and vaginal ring users. 23

CHC transdermal patch.

The CHC transdermal patch (Xulane), a thin square about two inches across, contains 150 mcg norelgestromin and 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol (see Figure 2 ). It can be placed on the stomach, upper arm, buttock, or back, and must be completely attached to the skin to be effective. The patch is replaced every week for three weeks; during the fourth week no patch is worn and a withdrawal bleed occurs. Weekly application is appealing for those who don’t want the burden of daily pill taking. In 2014, the patch became available as a generic product.

The Transdermal Patch

While contraindications for CHCs apply to all delivery methods, there are some additional concerns with the patch. Findings from early research suggested there was an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) with the patch compared to CHC pills, but later research has yielded conflicting results. 24 , 25 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that the same guidelines regarding VTE be applied to both methods: CHC pills and the patch should be avoided in patients at high risk for clots, such as those who have a history of or current VTE or surgery requiring immobilization. 24 , 26 The patch also causes skin irritation in about 20% of users, though only about 3% discontinue the method for this reason. 17

CHC vaginal ring.

The ring (NuvaRing) is a clear, flexible ring about two inches in diameter that is placed in the vagina for 21 days and removed for seven days to allow for withdrawal bleeding; it’s replaced monthly (see Figure 3 ). It releases 15 mcg/day of ethinyl estradiol and 120 mcg/day of etonogestrel. Users can simply place the ring in the vaginal canal themselves. As with the patch, the less frequent applications can be appealing and can lead to increased adherence. 17 The ring’s internal placement ensures the steady delivery of hormones, which allows for lower serum concentrations than occur with either the patch or pills. As a result, the ring generally has milder side effects than are seen with other CHC delivery methods. 17 Some users may experience increased vaginal irritation and discharge. 17 There is also some evidence of reduced vaginal dryness, which may appeal to perimenopausal women and others who tend to experience such dryness.

The Vaginal Ring

Ring users may have concerns about their risk for pregnancy if the ring is removed intentionally or accidentally. The ring can be removed for up to three hours without diminishing its contraceptive effect. This gives users the option of removing it during sex if they prefer. The manufacturer recommends rinsing the device in cool or lukewarm water prior to reinsertion. 27 If the ring is out for more than three hours, users should take extra steps to protect against pregnancy. As with any device, users should consult the package insert for more specific instructions.

Progestin-only methods

include pills, injections, implants, and intrauterine devices (IUDs). Without concomitant estrogen, progestin-only methods pose less risk of VTE than CHCs. 28 While the safety of the CHC pill, patch, and ring are addressed collectively in the U.S. MEC, the progestin-only methods are given separate safety profiles. Like CHCs, progestin-only methods require a prescription.

Progestin-only pills (POPs).

POPs are generally made with first-generation progestins, and dosage amounts are substantially lower than those found in any CHC. Like CHCs, POPs should be taken at the same time of day. They are used continuously, with no hormone-free interval. Despite their pharmacokinetic differences, failure rates are often reported together: Hatcher and colleagues report that for both types of pills, the failure rate is less than 1% with perfect use and 7% with typical use. 9 That said, POPs have a higher failure rate when not taken at the same time every day, because effective drug levels are maintained in the bloodstream for only 22 hours. 9 Nurses should caution patients that they must be vigilant about adhering to the dosing schedule. The most common side effects of POPs are unscheduled bleeding and spotting, likely due to the shorter daily window of efficacy and the absence of estrogen. 18

POPs are considered safe in many clinical scenarios wherein CHCs are contraindicated (as noted above). As with CHCs, patients should use a nonhormonal backup method when taking certain medications, including rifampin or rifabutin therapy, the antiretroviral drug fosamprenavir, and certain anticonvulsants. 8

DMPA injection.

DMPA (Depo-Provera) is available as a 150 mg/mL intramuscular injection or a 104 mg/mL subcutaneous injection given every 12 to 13 weeks. 18 , 29 Injections must be administered by a provider. The failure rate is less than 1% with perfect use and 4% with typical use. 9 In addition to the aforementioned progestin mechanisms of action, DMPA also affects the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis at the hypothalamus, inhibiting ovulation through suppression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone. 18

Irregular periods are a common side effect. One systematic review found that, after a year of regular use, only 12% of DMPA users had regular periods and 46% had amenorrhea. 30 Although personal preferences vary, amenorrhea may be seen as beneficial by patients with anemia, endometriosis, fibroids, dysmenorrhea, or menorrhagia. 9 Other potential side effects include weight gain, impaired glucose metabolism, bone mineral density loss, headache, and mood changes (specifically depression). 18 Because DMPA is one of the more discrete methods available, it may appeal to people wishing to keep their contraception private.

DMPA has few contraindications and almost no drug interactions. Additional benefits include decreased risk of endometrial cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease, reduced incidence of epileptic seizures, and reduced frequency of sickle cell crises. 9 , 29

Implants and IUDs containing progestin, as well as IUDs without hormones, are collectively referred to as long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). LARC insertions and removals are within the scope of practice of advanced practice clinicians, including NPs and certified nurse midwives. Once inserted, LARCs involve little user effort to maintain contraceptive efficacy.

The single-rod implant (Implanon, Nexplanon), which is about the size of a matchstick, is inserted in the upper arm and can remain in place for up to three years (see Figure 4 ). The implant contains 68 mg of etonogestrel that is released incrementally at slowly diminishing rates, from 60 to 70 mcg/day initially to 25 to 30 mcg/day by the end of the third year. 31 Failure rates with both typical and perfect use are below 1%. 9 The most commonly reported reasons for discontinuation include irregular bleeding (10%), emotional lability (2%), and weight gain (2%). 32 The implant method can appeal to people who want a long-term, reversible, highly effective method but are uncomfortable with having devices in the vagina or uterus or with insertion procedures at those sites. 18 The implant is safe for the vast majority of people, though there are contraindications for some specific conditions, such as active breast cancer. 8

The Single-Rod Implant

IUDs with progestin (also called intrauterine systems [IUSs]).

With both typical and perfect use, IUDs have failure rates below 1%. 9 Those with progestin alter the cervical mucus such that sperm cannot pass through the cervix to access the upper reproductive tract.

Four levonorgestrel (LNG) IUDs are available on the U.S. market, with similar effectiveness but varying doses, duration, and side effects. 33 The naming convention uses a number to indicate the average number of micrograms of LNG released per day. The LNG-IUS 20 (Mirena) and LNG-IUS 12 (Kyleena) can be used up to five years. The LNG-IUS 20 (Liletta, designed as a lower-cost version of Mirena) can be used up to four years, and the LNG-IUS 8 (Skyla) up to three years. The LNG-IUS 12 and LNG-IUS 8 are smaller in size, which makes insertion easier. Amenorrhea occurs in 20% of LNG-IUS 20 users after one year, in 12% of LNG-IUS 12 users after one year, and in 12% of LNG-IUS 8 users after three years.

Contraindications to IUD use include current purulent cervicitis, chlamydia infection, gonorrhea infection, or pelvic inflammatory disease at the time of insertion. 21 If pelvic inflammatory disease develops after insertion, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed, and removal may be warranted.

Despite their safety and efficacy, IUD use in the United States is lower than in other parts of the industrialized world. 34 IUDs have a fraught history, the legacy of which may affect patient and provider attitudes (see Are IUDs Safe? 8 , 9 , 35 – 40 ). This is slowly starting to change, and recent substantial declines in unintended pregnancies are attributed, in part, to an increase in the use of LARCs. 41

NONHORMONAL METHODS

Nonhormonal methods include the copper IUD, barrier methods with and without spermicides, and behavioral methods. Nonhormonal methods generally have fewer risks and side effects because, by definition, they don’t involve exposure to exogenous or synthetic hormones. As with hormonal methods, the effectiveness, safety, and ease of use of various nonhormonal methods are important user considerations and will strongly influence individual choices.

Copper IUD.

The most effective reversible nonhormonal method is the copper IUD (Paragard), which has a failure rate below 1% with both typical and perfect use; the device can be used for up to 10 years, and must be inserted by a skilled provider. 9 , 42 Copper ions are spermicidal. The copper IUD does not affect ovulation or timing of the menstrual cycle, but it is associated with heavier menstrual bleeding and cramping. 43 In a three-year Australian study among 211 users, of the 59 women who discontinued use though still requiring contraception, 28 did so because of heavy bleeding. 44 This side effect may be felt more acutely by users switching from a hormonal method that lessened their normal flow; anticipatory guidance from nurses can help prepare such users for this possibility.

The copper IUD may be an appealing option for those who are limited by contraindications to CHCs or progestin-only methods. In addition to the aforementioned contraindications for progestin-containing IUDs, copper IUDs are contraindicated for women with copper allergies, uterine infections, or uterine cancer. 8

Barrier methods (with or without spermicides)

include condoms and diaphragms used at the time of intercourse. Efficacy is highly dependent on user behavior, and failure rates with typical and perfect use vary widely. For the male condom, failure rates with typical and perfect use are 13% and 2%, respectively; for the female condom, 21% and 5%, respectively; and for the diaphragm, 17% and 16%, respectively. 9

Condoms are available over the counter. Those made from polyurethane or latex prevent the transmission of STIs, including HIV infection. Nonlatex condoms made of lambskin are available for individuals with latex sensitivity, but don’t protect against STIs.

Diaphragms are inserted into the vaginal canal such that they block the cervical os and can be placed up to an hour before intercourse. They require a prescription, and have traditionally come in multiple sizes, thus requiring fitting by a provider. Diaphragms are used with a spermicide to increase their effectiveness. In the United States, all commercially available spermicides contain nononoyl-9 (N-9) and are sold over the counter. N-9 may cause irritation or allergic reactions, and increases the risk of urinary tract infections. 8 The irritation can cause genital lesions, which may increase the risk of HIV acquisition. For women with HIV, N-9 irritation is suspected of increasing viral shedding, which increases the likelihood of transmission to partners. Thus, spermicide use is contraindicated in people at high risk for contracting HIV and is not recommended for people who have HIV. 8

Behavioral methods

include withdrawal, lactational amenorrhea (LAM), and fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs). Withdrawal (often called “pulling out”) involves removal of the penis from the vaginal canal during intercourse but before ejaculation. The failure rates are 20% with typical use and 4% with perfect use. 9 Withdrawal requires good communication and mutual agreement, as well as adequate physical control by the ejaculating partner. Research indicates that only a very small proportion of individuals use withdrawal as their primary contraceptive method; but because it’s also commonly used in conjunction with other methods and might not be considered a “real” method, its use may be underreported. 45 Withdrawal may be an option for people who don’t want to use other contraceptive methods for religious or cultural reasons.

LAM relies on the natural suppression of the LH surge that occurs during exclusive breastfeeding. It’s highly effective when infants are exclusively fed breast milk on demand, when infants are under six months of age, and when the woman has not yet resumed menses. 18 If breastfeeding is nonexclusive or the infant is older than six months, efficacy drops.

FABMs involve avoiding unprotected intercourse during an estimated fertile window, which is determined through a variety of strategies of varying effectiveness. There are limited data about failure rates for each approach 46 ; but collectively, the FABMs appear to have failure rates of 15% with typical use and from 0.4% to 5% with perfect use. 9 These methods may involve tracking the menstrual cycle, basal body temperature, cervical mucus, or LH levels in order to calculate the likely fertile period. Midcycle, the LH surge preceding ovulation is followed by an increase in progesterone, causing a small but measurable increase in basal body temperature. The timing of ovulation varies, even among women with similar cycle lengths. 47 Some FABM users might not fully comprehend how the method works, 48 and nurses can help them reach a better understanding of their menstrual cycle.

Although FABMs have traditionally been a low-tech contraceptive method, several mobile apps that support FABMs are now available. An app user inputs the relevant data, and the app uses an algorithm to generate fertility window predictions. Apps algorithms vary, as does the accuracy of their predictions. 49 , 50 Nurses should explain to patients that most health apps aren’t regulated by the FDA, and very few have been evaluated in peer-reviewed scientific studies. 51 In one study, nearly 20% of FABM apps contained erroneous medical information. 50 Moreover, there is evidence that some app companies’ advertising overstates their product’s efficacy. 52

For recent developments in contraception, see Innovations in Hormonal and Nonhormonal Methods . 53 – 62

DISPARITIES IN ACCESS AND USE

Because of economic hardship and institutionalized racism, homophobia, and transphobia, many people have compromised access to the full spectrum of contraceptive options. Studies indicate that such socioeconomic factors play a role in the higher rates of unintended and unwanted pregnancies observed among Black and Latina women compared with white women in the United States, as well as influencing user preferences. 14 , 63 Black and Latina women tend to report lower rates of overall contraceptive use and prescription contraceptive use, but higher rates of condom use and tubal ligation or sterilization. 64 , 65

Disparate patterns of contraceptive use and options are also related to bias and discrimination within the health care system. Barriers to high-quality contraceptive care may emerge in the forms of limited knowledge about contraceptive options, limited access to health care generally, receiving biased care from providers, and reproductive coercion. For example, there is evidence to suggest that providers are more likely to recommend IUDs to Black and Latina women with low socioeconomic status than to white women with such status. 66 Explanations for this pattern include that some providers subconsciously see certain women (that is, women of color or low socioeconomic status) as “not needing” more children, needing a lower-maintenance method, or needing more help to effectively prevent pregnancy. 67 But pressuring certain patients into using LARCs undermines their reproductive autonomy and risks continuing historically coercive and racist U.S. contraception policies. As frontline providers, nurses can address these disparities by engaging in reflexive nursing practices and working to undo institutionalized racism. 68

Members of sexual and gender minorities—including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, or gender nonbinary—also require access to contraceptive services. But they often have limited access to safe, affirming health care of all types. Members of these minorities have pregnancy and childbearing histories, plans, and desires as diverse as those of any other population. Many nonheterosexual women have been pregnant and given birth, and many have a desire to do so. 69 Others regularly have sex that could lead to pregnancy, and need and want reliable and consistent contraception. 70 , 71 Still others may rarely or never have penile–vaginal intercourse, and use contraception mainly for its noncontraceptive benefits, such as menstrual regulation, or acne or endometriosis treatment. 72

Many transgender or nonbinary individuals who have a uterus and ovaries are capable of becoming pregnant through penile–vaginal intercourse. 73 Testosterone therapy in transgender men is not a reliable contraceptive method, though this misconception is common. 74 Access to effective contraception may be especially critical for transgender men or transmasculine people, since many desire menses suppression. 75 , 76 Clinical and anecdotal evidence also suggest that menstruation and pregnancy may trigger or heighten feelings of gender dysphoria or may put safety at risk by “outing” one as transgender or transmasculine. 77 , 78 Some members of these minorities may achieve amenorrhea and pregnancy prevention with sterilization. Others may want to stop menstruating but retain the possibility of becoming pregnant later in life. Nurses can let such patients know that this may be possible with progestin-only IUDs. Estrogen-containing contraceptives may cause amenorrhea but are contraindicated in people on masculinizing hormone therapy.

An essential component of patient-centered nursing practice is the delivery of individualized care; this includes avoiding assumptions about a patient’s reproductive health priorities and needs based on membership in a particular group. Individuals from any marginalized or stigmatized group who have experienced bias and discrimination in health care might have learned to expect the same from future encounters. It’s important for nurses in all clinical settings to understand how such history can affect patients’ current experiences and the nurse–patient relationship. By applying nursing skills such as taking thorough health histories, listening actively to patients’ reproductive health priorities, and referring patients to appropriate health care services, nurses may be able to improve these relationships and clinical outcomes.

It’s vital that nurses in all settings and specialties stay current on the latest evidence regarding contraception. First, this is essential to fulfilling the World Health Organization’s recommendation to provide comprehensive contraceptive patient education 79 and the ANA’s ethical mandate to support the reproductive self-determination of all patients.6 Second, nurses can provide better patient-centered care if they can competently address patients’ family planning concerns and questions with current and evidence-based knowledge. We recognize that this is challenging, as new types of contraception, hormonal formulations, delivery systems, and indications for use are always being developed. For a list of resources that will help nurses stay up to date, see Resources for Nurses . Lastly, actively addressing the concerns of patients from stigmatized groups will ultimately contribute to efforts to resolve disparities in contraceptive care and work toward reproductive justice for all.▼

Reproductive Justice

Reproductive justice is grounded in the following four principles, which posit that it’s a human right 5 , 7

• to become pregnant and have children, and to determine how one wishes to give birth and create families.
• to choose not to become pregnant or have children, and to have access to options for preventing or ending pregnancy.
• to parent one’s children with dignity—including by having access to essential social supports, safe environments, and healthy communities—without fear of violence from individuals or the government.
• to disassociate sex from reproduction, as healthy sexuality and pleasure are essential components of a full human life.

While the goal of reproductive justice is to address the systems and structures that create reproductive health inequities, making sure that people who need contraceptive services receive high-quality care is a crucial step toward that goal.

Are IUDs Safe?

Current intrauterine devices (IUDs) are among the most effective, safe, and convenient contraceptive methods available. 8 , 9 But there was a time when this was not the case. It’s important for nurses to understand why, as lingering fears and reservations about IUDs are incongruent with current recommendations.

In 1971, a new IUD called the Dalkon Shield was introduced and was on the market for three years. Its use was soon associated with increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, spontaneous abortion (often late in pregnancy), ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. But it took 10 years for the magnitude of the problem to fully emerge. Many factors caused these adverse events, some specific to the device and others specific to the state of the medical field. One of the biggest design flaws of the Dalkon Shield was its multifilament tail string. IUDs typically have monofilament tail strings that help providers to remove the device. But because removal of the Dalkon Shield required additional force, a cable-style, multifilament string was used. In contrast to monofilament strings, the multifilament string served as an easy vector for bacteria—such as those that cause chlamydia or gonorrhea—to move quickly from the vagina to the uterus. This led to a fivefold increase in pelvic inflammatory disease among women using the Dalkon Shield compared with those using other IUDs and a sevenfold increase in pelvic inflammatory disease among Dalkon Shield users compared with women using no contraception. 35 Poor screening for and identification of sexually transmitted infections exacerbated the problem. Moreover, the manufacturer initially claimed it was safe to leave the Dalkon Shield in place when pregnancy did occur; this practice resulted in miscarriage, septic abortion, and several deaths. 36

For a time, virtually all IUDs disappeared from the U.S. market, and fears about their use have persisted. 37 Yet all current IUDs are approved for use in nulliparous women, adolescents and teenagers, and women at increased risk for pelvic inflammatory disease. Notably, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends IUDs as a first-line contraceptive method for adolescents. 38 The use of current IUDs is not associated with infertility, and fertility returns very rapidly upon removal. 39 , 40

Innovations in Hormonal and Nonhormonal Methods

Hormonal contraceptives., combined hormonal contraceptives..

In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new progestin–estrogen combined hormonal contraceptive, segesterone acetate plus ethinyl estradiol (Annovera). This is a vaginal ring that is placed for 21 days; removed, cleaned, and stored for seven days; and then reinserted for the start of a new cycle. 53 The ring, which is slightly larger and thicker than the ethinyl estradiol–etonogestrel monthly ring (NuvaRing) and can be used for up to 13 cycles (one year), might be a good option for women who have difficulty picking up birth control at a pharmacy on a regular basis, are at risk for losing insurance coverage, or travel frequently. Unlike the NuvaRing, which requires refrigeration prior to dispensing, Annovera does not require refrigeration for long-term storage.

Progestin-only contraceptives.

The possibility of self-administration of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) by subcutaneous injection is being explored. There is evidence that self-administration improves method continuation. 54 Interest has been documented among current DMPA users, who may encounter barriers obtaining or refilling their usual prescription. 55

Nonhormonal contraceptives.

Single-size diaphragm..

In 2014, the FDA approved a single-size silicone diaphragm (Caya). 56 This single-size option means that users no longer have to be fitted by a provider, although like other diaphragms it requires a prescription. In one study, 76% of users could correctly position this diaphragm with written instructions, and 94% could do so with coaching. 57 The single-size diaphragm is described as fitting “most women,” though it will not fit those who previously used a diaphragm sized 50 to 60 mm or 85 to 90 mm. 58 According to the manufacturers, contraindications include having a current vaginal infection, severe pelvic floor or uterine descent, small or absent retropubic recess, acute or frequent bladder infections, and being within the first six weeks postpartum. 58 Users are instructed to insert the diaphragm before intercourse and to use it in combination with a water-based spermicidal gel. Several compatible gels are available. One study of a newer, lactic acid–based gel found its effectiveness comparable to that of gels containing nonoxynol-9. 59

FDA-approved, fertility awareness–based method (FABM) mobile app.

Resources for nurses, u.s. medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use.

www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/mmwr/mec/summary.html

A detailed document, a summary chart, a digital app, a slide set and more are available for reference regarding contraceptive safety for patients with specific health concerns.

U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use

http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.rr6504a1

These recommendations address common, often controversial or complex issues regarding initiation and use of specific contraceptive methods with an eye toward application in the clinical setting. The site includes helpful charts and algorithms.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Reproductive Health: Contraception

www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm#Contraceptive-Effectiveness

The site includes a link to a chart showing the comparative effectiveness of contraceptive methods and abbreviated instructions for use.

www.bedsider.org

Consumer-oriented, evidence-based decision aids about contraceptives are featured, including an interactive “method explorer” and numerous topic-specific articles and videos.

The authors and planners have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

A podcast with the authors is available at www.ajnonline.com .

For four additional continuing nursing education activities on the topic of contraception, go to www.nursingcenter.com/ce .

Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Public Health Issues — Birth Control

Birth Control Essay Examples

Birth control essay topics and outline examples, essay title 1: birth control methods and their impact on reproductive health and family planning.

Thesis Statement: This essay explores various birth control methods, their effectiveness, and their impact on reproductive health and the ability to make informed family planning decisions.

• Introduction
• Overview of Birth Control Methods: Contraception Options and Their Mechanisms
• Effectiveness and Safety: Evaluating the Reliability and Risks of Different Methods
• Reproductive Health: Discussing the Positive and Negative Effects of Birth Control
• Family Planning: Examining the Role of Birth Control in Decision-Making
• Access and Education: Addressing Barriers and Promoting Awareness
• Conclusion: Empowering Individuals to Make Informed Choices

Essay Title 2: The Societal Impact of Birth Control: Shaping Gender Equality, Family Dynamics, and Healthcare Policies

Thesis Statement: This essay delves into the societal consequences of birth control, including its role in promoting gender equality, influencing family structures, and shaping healthcare policies.

• Gender Equality: Analyzing How Birth Control Empowers Women and Promotes Equal Opportunities
• Family Dynamics: Exploring Changes in Family Size, Planning, and Roles
• Healthcare Policies: Investigating the Accessibility and Regulation of Birth Control
• Ethical Considerations: Discussing Moral and Religious Perspectives
• Global Impact: Examining Birth Control in the Context of Population Control and Development
• Conclusion: Reflecting on Birth Control's Evolving Role in Society

Essay Title 3: Birth Control Education: Promoting Comprehensive Sexual Health Programs for Informed Choices and Safer Practices

Thesis Statement: This essay advocates for comprehensive sexual health education programs that equip individuals with knowledge about birth control options, safe practices, and informed decision-making.

• Sexual Health Education: The Importance of Providing Comprehensive and Accurate Information
• Birth Control Methods: Teaching About Options, Effectiveness, and Risks
• Safe Practices: Promoting Responsible and Consensual Sexual Behavior
• Addressing Myths and Misconceptions: Dispelling Common Misinformation
• Role of Schools and Parents: Collaborative Approaches to Sexual Health Education
• Conclusion: Fostering a Knowledgeable and Empowered Youth

The Importance of Birth Control in Preventing Unwanted Pregnancy

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Analysis of Margaret Sanger’s Speech on Birth Control

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Funding Lies: Misinformation from American Pro-life Organizations

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Exploring The Association Between Oral Contraceptive Pills and Glaucoma

Comparative analysis of drug abuse potential, addressing women's rights in africa, examining the impact of donald trump's presidency on healthcare, and societal tensions, exploring the decline in church attendance among millennials, free birth control: public health and ethics, relevant topics.

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Birth Control

1 empowerment through choice: the evolution and impact of birth control.

The Evolution of Women’s Control over Reproductive Choices It’s crazy how something so small in the past can grow to be something so massive in a short amount of time. Over time, women have been mistreated, underappreciated, and have been forced to not have control of many different situations. But over time, women have regained […]

2 Media Framing and the Birth Control Movement: Reproductive Rights Struggle

Struggles Amplified: Media’s Role in Reproductive Rights Debates In July 2018, Republican Congressman Jason Lewis’s inappropriate and sexist views about women were revealed in a CNN article. The congressman, who is known to be controversial, said that women who voted in favor of health insurance coverage for birth control “were not human beings and were […]

3 OTC Birth Control: Revolutionizing Access for Women’s Health

Executive Summary Contraception is effective in improving health and well-being in women while reducing health care costs from unintended pregnancies and abortion. Women’s access to birth control is inadequate, and oral contraception should be available over the counter in Kentucky. Introduction Contraception is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of […]

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4 Navigating the Intricacies of Birth Control: Unveiling its Impact on Cardiovascular Health

Abstract: Oral Contraceptives (OC) and Birth control pills can cause a lot of side effects in the human body. Taking birth control pills increases the risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Based on the case report, a woman entered the hospital with unknown causes of how she was having artery blocking. That woman […]

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Birth Control (Argumentative Essay Sample)

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Birth Control

One of the most debated aspects today is whether to control birth or let nature take its course. Before the 20th century, sex was a sensitive issue, and it was reserved for people in marriage. This was a time when the members of the society honored moral behaviors and abstinence was one of the core values. Birth control was highly condemned as the morals of the society would prevent negative issues such as abortion although a lack of birth control let to a high population which was dangerous for the limited resources. In the late 20th century, the societies had lost morals and people engaged in sex anyhow leading to unplanned pregnancies and abortions that put the lives of the women at risk. To prevent such risk behaviors and to control the escalated population, countries began legalizing birth control, and today almost every country has adopted birth control. While some people still protest birth control, it is a good idea as it helps women to improve their health, control population and reduce joblessness and poverty in the modern societies.

Birth control helps women to prevent pregnancy until when the body has recovered from the previous birth and conceive again when in good health. Without birth control, women would get pregnant at short intervals leading to deteriorated health, emotional and psychological disturbances which adversely affect their health condition. Some would resort to abortions when they get unplanned pregnancy, putting their lives at risk and also risking infertility. Hence, birth control helps women avoid such scenarios that put their health at risk.

Also, birth control has greatly helped in controlling the exploding human population and contributes towards peaceful nations. If it were not for birth control, the population would have gotten out of control. The consequences of overpopulation are clear. The high population would augment the scramble for limited resources which would lead to crisis and eventually spark a war among the people. There have been instances where pastoralists in developing countries fight over the pasture, how about if the people were competing for a scarce resource? People would fight over the scarce resources leading to insecurity and hostile world to live in. Thus, birth control is important in controlling overpopulation and preventing its problems.

Also, birth control is necessary because it prevents joblessness and poverty. Uncontrolled and frequent pregnancies deny both spouses time to work as they nurse the children. This reduces their working days in a year lowering productivity. Aside, the frequent births will contribute to many children depending on the less productive parents. This results in high poverty levels. Birth control would help in controlling pregnancies and allowing both parents to have time for work. Thus, birth control creates time for job seeking and reduces poverty as the parents earn incomes.

On the other hand, opponents would argue that birth control interferes with nature and prevents the conception of more beneficial human beings to God’s creation. However, this argument should not be welcomed since it does not consider the danger of overpopulation as enumerated above. Another counter argument would be that birth control measures lead to health risks such as high blood pressure and weight gain. However, birth control methods such as the use of condoms and vasectomy do not pose any risks. Furthermore, birth control methods have been improved to prevent side effects. Hence, birth control stands out beneficial to humankind.

Therefore, birth control is beneficial to man as it helps in improving women health status, controlling overpopulation to prevent negative issues such as crimes and war and minimizing joblessness and poverty. Birth control limits population growth and reduces scramble for few resources. It also helps women to plan pregnancies and have time for work hence reducing a number of non-working women and reduces poverty levels. It has prevented a situation whereby women would have children frequently as if birth machines and allowed them time to recover their health from previous births. Ideally, birth control is necessary for the world nations.

10 Essential Essays About Women’s Reproductive Rights

“Reproductive rights” let a person decide whether they want to have children, use contraception, or terminate a pregnancy. Reproductive rights also include access to sex education and reproductive health services. Throughout history, the reproductive rights of women in particular have been restricted. Girls and women today still face significant challenges. In places that have seen reproductive rights expand, protections are rolling back. Here are ten essential essays about reproductive rights:

“Our Bodies, Ourselves: Reproductive Rights”

bell hooks Published in Feminism Is For Everyone (2014)

This essay opens strong: when the modern feminism movement started, the most important issues were the ones linked to highly-educated and privileged white women. The sexual revolution led the way, with “free love” as shorthand for having as much sex as someone wanted with whoever they wanted. This naturally led to the issue of unwanted pregnancies. Birth control and abortions were needed.

Sexual freedom isn’t possible without access to safe, effective birth control and the right to safe, legal abortion. However, other reproductive rights like prenatal care and sex education were not as promoted due to class bias. Including these other rights more prominently might have, in hooks’ words, “galvanized the masses.” The right to abortion in particular drew the focus of mass media. Including other reproductive issues would mean a full reckoning about gender and women’s bodies. The media wasn’t (and arguably still isn’t) ready for that.

“Racism, Birth Control, and Reproductive Rights”

Angela Davis Published in Women, Race, & Class (1981)

Davis’ essay covers the birth control movement in detail, including its race-based history. Davis argues that birth control always included racism due to the belief that poor women (specifically poor Black and immigrant women) had a “moral obligation” to birth fewer children. Race was also part of the movement from the beginning because only wealthy white women could achieve the goals (like more economic and political freedom) driving access to birth control.

In light of this history, Davis emphasizes that the fight for reproductive freedom hasn’t led to equal victories. In fact, the movements driving the gains women achieved actively neglected racial inequality. One clear example is how reproductive rights groups ignored forced sterilization within communities of color. Davis ends her essay with a call to end sterilization abuse.

“Reproductive Justice, Not Just Rights”

Dorothy Roberts Published in Dissent Magazine (2015)

Dorothy Roberts, author of Killing the Black Body and Fatal Invention , describes attending the March for Women’s Lives. She was especially happy to be there because co-sponsor SisterSong (a collective founded by 16 organizations led by women of color) shifted the focus from “choice” to “social justice.” Why does this matter? Roberts argues that the rhetoric of “choice” favors women who have options that aren’t available to low-income women, especially women of color. Conservatives face criticism for their stance on reproductive rights, but liberals also cause harm when they frame birth control as the solution to global “overpopulation” or lean on fetal anomalies as an argument for abortion choice.

Instead of “the right to choose,” a reproductive justice framework is necessary. This requires a living wage, universal healthcare, and prison abolition. Reproductive justice goes beyond the current pro-choice/anti-choice rhetoric that still favors the privileged.

“The Color of Choice: White Supremacy and Reproductive Justice”

Loretta J. Ross, SisterSong Published in Color of Violence: The INCITE! Anthology (2016)

White supremacy in the United States has always created different outcomes for its ethnic populations. The method? Population control. Ross points out that even a glance at reproductive politics in the headlines makes it clear that some women are encouraged to have more children while others are discouraged. Ross defines “reproductive justice,” which goes beyond the concept of “rights.” Reproductive justice is when reproductive rights are “embedded in a human rights and social justice framework.”

In the essay, Ross explores topics like white supremacy and population control on both the right and left sides of politics. She acknowledges that while the right is often blunter in restricting women of color and their fertility, white supremacy is embedded in both political aisles. The essay closes with a section on mobilizing for reproductive justice, describing SisterSong (where Ross is a founding member) and the March for Women’s Lives in 2004.

“Abortion Care Is Not Just For Cis Women”

Sachiko Ragosta Published in Ms. Magazine (2021)

Cisgender women are the focus of abortion and reproductive health services even though nonbinary and trans people access these services all the time. In their essay, Ragosta describes the criticism Ibis Reproductive Health received when it used the term “pregnant people.” The term alienates women, the critics said, but acting as if only cis women need reproductive care is simply inaccurate. As Ragosta writes, no one is denying that cis women experience pregnancy. The reaction to more inclusive language around pregnancy and abortion reveals a clear bias against trans people.

Normalizing terms like “pregnant people” help spaces become more inclusive, whether it’s in research, medical offices, or in day-to-day life. Inclusiveness leads to better health outcomes, which is essential considering the barriers nonbinary and gender-expansive people face in general and sexual/reproductive care.

“We Cannot Leave Black Women, Trans People, and Gender Expansive People Behind: Why We Need Reproductive Justice”

Karla Mendez Published in Black Women Radicals

Mendez, a freelance writer and (and the time of the essay’s publication) a student studying Interdisciplinary Studies, Political Science, and Women’s and Gender Studies, responds to the Texas abortion ban. Terms like “reproductive rights” and “abortion rights” are part of the mainstream white feminist movement, but the benefits of birth control and abortions are not equal. Also, as the Texas ban shows, these benefits are not secure. In the face of this reality, it’s essential to center Black people of all genders.

In her essay, Mendez describes recent restrictive legislation and the failure of the reproductive rights movement to address anti-Blackness, transphobia, food insecurity, and more. Groups like SisterSong have led the way on reproductive justice. As reproductive rights are eroded in the United States, the reproductive rights movement needs to focus on justice.

“Gee’s Bend: A Reproductive Justice Quilt Story From the South”

Mary Lee Bendolph Published in Radical Reproductive Justice (2017)

One of Mary Lee Bendolph’s quilt designs appears as the cover of Radical Reproductive Justice. She was one of the most important strip quilters associated with Gee’s Bend, Alabama. During the Civil Rights era, the 700 residents of Gee’s Bend were isolated and found it hard to vote or gain educational and economic power outside the village. Bendolph’s work didn’t become well-known outside her town until the mid-1990s.

Through an interview by the Souls Grown Foundation, we learn that Bendolph didn’t receive any sex education as a girl. When she became pregnant in sixth grade, she had to stop attending school. “They say it was against the law for a lady to go to school and be pregnant,” she said, because it would influence the other kids. “Soon as you have a baby, you couldn’t never go to school again.”

“Underground Activists in Brazil Fight for Women’s Reproductive Rights”

Alejandra Marks Published in The North American Congress on Latin America (2021)

While short, this essay provides a good introduction to abortion activism in Brazil, where abortion is legal only in the case of rape, fetal anencephaly, or when a woman’s life is at risk. The reader meets “Taís,” a single mother faced with an unwanted pregnancy. With no legal options, she researched methods online, including teas and pills. She eventually connected with a lawyer and activist who walked her through using Cytotec, a medication she got online. The activist stayed on the phone while Taís completed her abortion at home.

For decades, Latin American activists have helped pregnant people get abortion medications while wealthy Brazilians enter private clinics or travel to other countries. Government intimidation makes activism risky, but the stakes are high. Hundreds of Brazilians die each year from dangerous abortion methods. In the past decade, religious conservatives in Congress have blocked even mild reform. Even if a new president is elected, Brazil’s abortion rights movement will fight an uphill battle.

“The Ambivalent Activist”

Lauren Groff Published in Fight of the Century: Writers Reflect on 100 years of Landmark ACLU Cases (2020)

Before Roe v. Wade, abortion regulation around the country was spotty. 37 states still had near-bans on the procedure while only four states had repealed anti-abortion laws completely. In her essay, Groff summarizes the case in accessible, engaging prose. The “Jane Roe” of the case was Norma McCorvey. When she got pregnant, she’d already had two children, one of whom she’d given up for adoption. McCorvey couldn’t access an abortion provider because the pregnancy didn’t endanger her life. She eventually connected with two attorneys: Sarah Weddington and Linda Coffee. In 1973 on January 2, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that abortion was a fundamental right.

Norma McCorvey was a complicated woman. She later became an anti-choice activist (in an interview released after her death, she said Evangelical anti-choice groups paid her to switch her position), but as Groff writes, McCorvey had once been proud that it was her case that gave women bodily autonomy.

“The Abortion I Didn’t Want”

Caitlin McDonnell Published in Salon (2015) and Choice Words: Writers on Abortion (2020)

While talking about abortion is less demonized than in the past, it’s still fairly unusual to hear directly from people who’ve experienced it. It’s certainly unusual to hear more complicated stories. Caitlin McDonnell, a poet and teacher from Brooklyn, shares her experience. In clear, raw prose, this piece brings home what can be an abstract “issue” for people who haven’t experienced it or been close to someone who has.

In debates about abortion rights, those who carry the physical and emotional effects are often neglected. Their complicated feelings are weaponized to serve agendas or make judgments about others. It’s important to read essays like McDonnell’s and hear stories as nuanced and multi-faceted as humans themselves.

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About the author, emmaline soken-huberty.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She started to become interested in human rights while attending college, eventually getting a concentration in human rights and humanitarianism. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change are of special concern to her. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty with her husband and dog.

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• How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on January 11, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . It usually comes near the end of your introduction .

Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.

You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:

• Start with a question
• Write your initial answer
• Develop your answer
• Refine your thesis statement

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Table of contents

What is a thesis statement, placement of the thesis statement, step 1: start with a question, step 2: write your initial answer, step 3: develop your answer, step 4: refine your thesis statement, types of thesis statements, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.

A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay. It is a signpost telling the reader what the essay will argue and why.

The best thesis statements are:

• Concise: A good thesis statement is short and sweet—don’t use more words than necessary. State your point clearly and directly in one or two sentences.
• Contentious: Your thesis shouldn’t be a simple statement of fact that everyone already knows. A good thesis statement is a claim that requires further evidence or analysis to back it up.
• Coherent: Everything mentioned in your thesis statement must be supported and explained in the rest of your paper.

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The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay introduction or research paper introduction .

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.

You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis , early in the writing process . As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic , you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.

You might already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?

For example, you might ask:

After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process .

Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed.

In your essay about the internet and education, the thesis states your position and sketches out the key arguments you’ll use to support it.

The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.

In your essay about braille, the thesis statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain.

The invention of braille in the 19th century transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life.

A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:

• Why you hold this position
• What they’ll learn from your essay
• The key points of your argument or narrative

The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain. To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic.

These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth.

Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing:

• In an argumentative essay , your thesis statement should take a strong position. Your aim in the essay is to convince your reader of this thesis based on evidence and logical reasoning.
• In an expository essay , you’ll aim to explain the facts of a topic or process. Your thesis statement doesn’t have to include a strong opinion in this case, but it should clearly state the central point you want to make, and mention the key elements you’ll explain.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :

• Ask a question about your topic .
• Write your initial answer.
• Develop your answer by including reasons.
• Refine your answer, adding more detail and nuance.

The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .

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Population Growth Control Thesis

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Introduction

Culture and traditions, political economy, gender and sexuality, health care, works cited.

Birth control or control of population growth has been a raging debate for centuries because it is a sexual issue that religion, traditions, politics, and the entire society has silenced and laden it with lots of taboos.

During the ancient times, sex and sexuality had been under immense silence as no one was supposed to talk about it in public places. According to Foucault, sex has been a secret affair because there has been so many forces that reduced it to silence, but has recently loosened up and allowed people to question the intricacies of sex (78).

Realizing that sex has been secret and silenced for centuries, modern society is struggling to unravel the mystery behind sex through various discourses. In the late 18th century and early 19th century, population growth rate of the world was growing exponentially. For instance, in the United States, women had an average of seven children, and thus, necessitated control of population.

Although governments saw the need to control population growth, various religions and cultures were against it, for they perceived reproduction as a natural process that needs no interference. Religions, cultures, and politics have been grappling with the issue of population growth because while some perceive it a societal issue, others perceive it as a reproductive issue of women.

Discourses in culture, religion, politics, education, health, feminism, sexuality, gender, race, and class show that birth control is an issue that touches on women’s health, and therefore, women have the right to control population growth.

During ancient times, culture and traditions imposed many taboos on sex and sexuality in that societal values determined matters related to reproduction. Since men dominated society, they had powers to determine the number of children that their wives should have in marriage. Men had powers to decided ethics regarding sex as they imposed taboos to restrict how women perceive their sexuality and reproduction.

Foucault asserts that sex exists in a binary system of right and wrong, legal and illegal, permitted and forbidden, which shows that it is subject to law and power (83). The law and power associated with sex gave men powers to have control over women and decide their sexuality, gender and reproduction.

Cultures and traditions suppressed women, for they did not give them freedom to champion for their rights as members of the society with reproduction capacity (Berreman 400). Due to male chauvinism that dominated the society, issues involving sex and women were in deep silence and under the domain of men because taboos imposed many restrictions.

Evolution of cultures and traditions from ancient times to modern society has led to empowerment of women and diminishing of taboos, which restricted women from advocating for their rights. The adoption of various cultural and traditional practices, from various parts of the world, led to development of civilized culture and traditions that recognize exceptional needs of women and empower them.

Sex and sexuality transformed from silence state into public debates due to the emergence of many discourses. Discourses have significantly enhanced perception of gender, sexuality and humanity, which subsequently led to the emergence of the need to control population.

Luker argues that, counter normative approach to sexuality is an effective discourse that has empowered women by restructuring and configuring societal power (29). In spite of cultural taboos that restrict women from having power to control their sexuality and reproduction, modern society has made significant strides towards empowering women in matters of birth control.

Society has different members with different attributes that classify them into races and classes. Race and class influence how people perceive the essence of population control. In the society, race and class determine social status and power of an individual. Ability of women to control their sexuality and reproduction in spite of societal pressure depends on racial and class prejudices of the society.

Conventionally, whites are privileged race relative to blacks, hence making them to have a higher social class than blacks. Luker debates that, due to diversity of race and classes, people have used different contraception methods because of their unique beliefs, traditions, and cultures (54).

Since whites have a high social classes and race, their family lifestyles of having few children has formed the basis of civilization. Blacks are aping whites’ culture because they have empowered their women to have control over their reproduction and sexuality. Trends of population growth show that, blacks have high growth rate, yet they have lower social class because most are living below the poverty level.

Critical analysis of race and class shows that, white women have control over their sexuality and reproduction; thus, they have low reproductive rate. On the other hand, black women have limited control over their sexuality and reproduction, which explains why they have high reproductive rate. Therefore, it means that privileged race and high social class are factors that empower women to regulate the sexuality and reproduction.

Regions have played a critical role in restricting control of population through their teachings on morality and spiritual matters. Dominant religions of the world like Christianity, Islam and Hindu have been against control of population using contraceptives and abortion.

Religious leaders assert that, the use of contraceptives and abortions as means of controlling population is contrary to divine teachings, and thus an abomination to God. Nevertheless, diverse religions perceive control of population as a moral, as well as, a spiritual issue that an individual or political entity has no power to dictate.

Therefore, religions perceive that women have no right over their sexuality and reproduction because they fall under family, which is an integral unit of society. A moral society has responsibility of ensuring that every family adheres to religious principles that reflect divine values and virtues.

According to Teltsch, Pope Paul IV issued encyclical banning artificial birth control methods because there are against Christian teachings (17). The encyclical triggered mixed reactions not only among Catholics but also in healthcare systems across the world.

Many Catholics perceived banning of artificial methods of family planning as a bold move that deserves praise, while others perceived it as retrogressive move that would deprive women of their sexual rights. Mixed reactions among population showed that, birth control would continue to be a raging debate until women attain right to their sexuality.

Religions perceive procreation as a divine gift that God gave to humanity; thus, they have a responsibility of ensuring that families should comply with divine principles to respect marriage as a divine institution. According to Islam, use of contraceptives and legalization of abortion is an abomination and sin that God does not support.

Muslims believe that control of population using contraceptives is unspiritual because it promotes prostitution and promiscuous behavior in the society. Moreover, abortion is not only an immoral act but also a crime because it involves murdering of innocent fetus, which has no power to protect itself unless religion and society protect it.

Srikanthan and Reid explain that, Muslims believe that a family is a basic unit of society, which depends on sex for procreation purposes according to the will of God (132). They believe that use of artificial methods in control of the population is contrary to the will of God and detrimental to humanity due to loss of morals.

With time, religions have come to realize that population control is a critical issue in the society that is subject to many factors apart from religious teachings. Ancient religions depicted sexuality from divine perspective, but current religions have reduced it to moral levels where people can have their own opinions.

Thus, in modern society, there are no explicit religious principles that outline recommended contraceptive methods except abortion. Various religions agree that abortion is a crime unless done under a medical condition that threatens life of mother and baby. In response to economic, legal and social pressures, diverse religions have recommended different methods of population control.

According to Srikanthan and Reid, catholic recommends abstinence and rhythmic method, while Islam supports coitus interruptus and some contraception methods that are safe, legal and temporary (132). Hence, disparity in religious beliefs has led to diversification in contraceptive methods.

Trends of contraception methods among religions show that women have ultimate decision on the nature of contraceptives that they use in controlling population. Although religions can recommend kinds of contraceptives that women should take, they cannot force anyone, hence women have the power to decide their reproductive health.

Population control is a political issue since it relates to economic growth and welfare of population of a country. Demographic experts are warning that exponential growth of population signal impending disaster since economic resources are diminishing gradually.

Since population growth is going to strain diminishing resources, many countries are trying to use various means of contraception to slow down population growth and stabilize economic growth sustainably. Increase of population in one country threatens the sustainability of resources in other countries since resources flow according to factors of demands and supplies.

To achieve a stable political economy, politicians are formulating policies and regulations, which are essential in regulating population growth. A country with the capacity to regulate its population has assurance of better economic growth and improved welfare of the people because there is sustainable utilization of resources.

A country with uncontrolled population growth has no future prospects because it cannot sustain its own people with time. Michelle asserts that, empowering women to advocate for their rights, and have access to family planning methods are ethical and most effective means of controlling population growth (34).

Stable economy requires that every woman should have an average of two to three children to guarantee both sustainability of resources and maintain stable growth rate of population. From a perspective of political economy, control of the population is a matter that is in the sphere of women, and thus they deserve to have right to their sexuality and reproduction.

Countries with exponential growth of the population are now advocating for birth control by use of contraceptives and abortion to eliminate unwanted or unplanned pregnancies. Unplanned pregnancies are a serious burden to women because it affects their welfare state by restricting them to childbearing lives.

Siow argues that, availability of birth control pills and legalization of abortion has significantly improved welfare of women because they can postpone marriage, pursue their careers and accumulate wealth while indulging themselves in sexual activities (3). The importance of the contraceptive pill became evident in 1970s when number of women who join universities and colleges increased markedly.

Hence, use of contraception and legalization abortion is an effective way of not only regulating population growth but also empowering women to focus on their careers as their male counterparts.

For centuries, childbearing has been basic responsibility of a woman in the society because men dominated their sexuality. However, advent of contraception methods and legalization of abortion has enabled women to make an informed decision on when to have children without any undue pressure from men.

Realizing that men have been dominating society, as well as their sexuality, women began to advocate for their empowerment through ideology of feminism. Feminism is an ideology, which asserts that, men and women have equal capacities in the society for it seeks to dispel cultural and traditional beliefs that have led to marginalization of women.

The society had perceived women as weak and different from their men counterparts, hence weaker gender. Such perception led to the emergence of gendered roles in the society because women had limited roles of childbearing, but men had unlimited roles, which allowed them to pursue their careers and develop their human capital leaving women behind.

According to Seidman, Fischer and Meeks, feminists advocated for equal treatment before the law and socio-economic terms (44). Feminists argued that gendered roles emerged in the society because men correlated their sexuality with gender, yet they are quite different entities.

They claim that sex is biological condition while gender is a social construct that men created, so that they can determine their place and roles in society. Thus, if men perceive women as equal partners in the society, then they will not impose unnecessary restrictions on their sexuality and reproduction. Gender inequality is restricting women from advocating for their rights and accessing various family planning methods.

To emancipate themselves from dominance of men, feminists targeted political arena as means of fostering their feminism agenda. In 19th century, women in the United States did not have the right to vote; therefore, feminists struggled extremely hard to ensure that they obtained the right to vote. After attaining the right to vote, women continued advocating for their rights by competing for political positions.

With time, more women joined politics so that they could exercise their power effectively towards empowering themselves in the society that men have dominated. Political positions accorded powers to women, which significantly transformed the perception of women as mere weaker gender, since they demonstrated that they had equal capacity as men.

Seidman, Fischer and Meeks state that, women who entered politics made marked contribution to emancipation of women since they advocated for affirmative action (45).

Affirmative action enabled formulation of policies and laws that led to empowerment of women in the society, for it recognized their vulnerability to dominance of men. Thus, making women have reproductive rights by allowing them to have access to contraceptive methods and abortion is also going to support affirmative action.

Education has also empowered and liberated women in modern society. During ancient times, women have been groping in darkness because they had limited education regarding sexuality, reproduction and careers. Men dominated various fields of knowledge and restricted women to childbearing because culture and tradition dictated so.

However, as more women went to school, they started gaining knowledge concerning sexuality, reproduction and career development that emancipated them from cultural and traditional shackles that men had imposed on them. Luker contends that schooling of women was a significant step that enabled them to compete effectively in family, community, and political spheres of society (56).

Currently, it is quite evident that men and women have equal opportunities in the society because they perform similar duties, have same careers and equal rights. Given that birth control relates to women’s health, it is imperative that women should have reproductive rights of deciding types of birth control that they use.

Improved health care services of reproduction have enabled women to make informed choices concerning methods of contraception. Healthcare system has provided numerous contraceptive methods that suit various needs of women, hence, allowing women to control conception and their sexual activity.

Prior to the emergence of numerous contraceptives in the market, women relied on their husbands to prevent them from conceiving. Then, common methods of preventing contraception were coitus interruptus, abstinence, and rhythmic method, which entirely depended on men; hence, women did not have the capacity to control of their sexuality and reproduction.

According to Srikanthan and Reid, emergence of contraceptives such as pills and intra uterine devices gave women power to control conception and their sexuality (134). In modern society, women can decide whether to conceive or not without necessarily consulting their partners. Therefore, since contraceptives are readily available as over the counter drugs, women should have right to control their sexuality and reproduction.

Additionally, healthcare system has provided an option of abortion following legalization of abortion. Legalization of abortion has considerably enhanced powers that women have in reproduction because statistics shows that out-of wedlock births have reduced significantly.

In the modern society, women cannot accept to give birth to a child out of wedlock because it is extremely expensive, and it is going to ruin their potential of getting another husband. The modern society has few single mothers, as compared to the recent past, because legalization of abortion has provided a means for women to terminate unwanted pregnancies.

Siow reasons that, the availability of legal abortion has reduced the bargaining power of women for marriage, since they can control their sexuality and reproduction, unlike earlier when fear of pregnancy compelled them to get married (2). Hence, legalization of abortion has demonstrated that women need power over their sexuality and reproduction for them to control population effectively.

Control of population growth elicits immense controversy in the society since it clashes with cultural, traditional and religious beliefs of the people. Matters of sexuality and reproduction date back to ancient times when society held firmly to the taboos, which restricted women from exercising full control of their bodies.

Religion strictly asserted that family is a basic unit of society with procreation powers bestowed on it; hence, control of population using contraceptives and abortion is detrimental to the society and family, as well. However, various governments across the world realized that control of the population has economic benefits for it promotes economic growth and sustainable utilization of resources.

Feminists then emerged and advocated for empowerment of women through affirmative action, which enabled women to obtain more powers to control their sexuality and reproduction.

Recently, improved healthcare system enhanced reproductive health by improving accessibility to various methods of contraception and abortion following legalization. In view of all these developments, it is quite evident that modern women have control over their sexuality and reproduction, thus have right to control population growth.

Berreman, Gerald. “Race, Caste, and Other Invidious Distinctions in Social Stratification.” Race Class 13.1 (1972): 385-414.

Foucault, Michel . The History of Sexuality, Volume 3. New York: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 1990.

Luker, Kristin. When Sex Goes to School: Warring Views on Sex and Sex Education Since the Sixties . New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2007.

Michelle, Goldberg. “Skirting the Issue; Debates about Population Growth are Missing the point: Women Need More Control over Their Fertility and Lives.” Los Angeles 17 May 2009: 34.

Seidman, Steven, Fischer, Nancy, and Meeks, Chet. Introducing the New Sexuality Studies . New York: Routledge, 2011.

Siow, Aloysius. “Do Innovations in Birth Control Technology Increase the Welfare of Women?” University of Toronto (2002): 1-46.

Srikanthan, Amirrtha, and Reid, Robert. “Women’s Health: Religious and Cultural Influences on Contraception.” Journal of Obstetrician and Gynaecology 30.2 (2008): 129-137.

Teltsch, Kathleen. “Rise in Birth-Curb Services Is Likely to Continue.” New York Times 31 July 1968: 17.

• Population and Sustainability
• Problems of Population Growth in China
• A Critique of President Obama’s Administration Position on Contraception
• Eating Horse Is a Taboo in the US
• Women’s Health: Contraception Treatments
• The Policy of One Child Per Couple in China: Death and Birth Rate
• Pakistan Fertility Programs Overview
• Current and Future Population Problems in Pakistan
• Exponential Population Growth: It Is a Small World, After All
• The Chinese One Child Policy, Its Origin and Effects
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2019, May 13). Population Growth Control. https://ivypanda.com/essays/birth-control-thesis/

"Population Growth Control." IvyPanda , 13 May 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/birth-control-thesis/.

IvyPanda . (2019) 'Population Growth Control'. 13 May.

IvyPanda . 2019. "Population Growth Control." May 13, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/birth-control-thesis/.

1. IvyPanda . "Population Growth Control." May 13, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/birth-control-thesis/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Population Growth Control." May 13, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/birth-control-thesis/.

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Popping the Pill: Why Birth Control Should Be Available Over-the-Counter

• Post author By Baines Report
• Post date November 22, 2021
• 1 Comment on Popping the Pill: Why Birth Control Should Be Available Over-the-Counter

By Shelby Frye

In 2020, the birth control pill celebrated the 60th anniversary of its approval from the Food and Drug Administration. Six decades after this stamp of  approval, the pill remains one of the most popular contraceptive options in the United States. There are two types of birth control pills- the combined oral contraceptive (COC), and the progestin-only pill (POP). Despite their popularity, birth control pills are inaccessible to many people because it requires a prescription. Because the pill is not available over-the-counter (OTC), many people, especially those with low incomes or no insurance, have reduced choice in their own health decisions and are at higher risk for unintended pregnancy. And while the United States has been dragging its feet over this issue, over 100 countries in the world have granted OTC status to birth control pills. 

What’s more, birth control pills already clearly meet the FDA requirements for OTC status are already clearly met for birth control pills: the benefits of the drugs outweigh the risks, the potential for misuse is low, the condition can be self-diagnosed, and directions for use are clear. In fact, progestin-only emergency contraception is already available OTC in the United States, with no age restriction. 

One of the main arguments against allowing birth control pills to be sold OTC is that they are potentially dangerous and require a doctor’s oversight before they should be used. However, it is well-documented that the birth control pill is very safe, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention citing few medical conditions that would prevent someone from taking it.  Research supports the lack of contraindications—medical conditions that may make a certain treatment harmful— of the birth control pill as well as the accuracy of self-screening those contraindications. The probability of contraceptive users overlooking a contraindication is low, casting further doubt on the necessity of seeing a doctor before obtaining birth control. 

Requiring a doctor’s prescription to access the pill may deter those seeking birth control due to the high cost of a doctor’s visit, difficulty getting off of work or a lack of transportation. This places a unique burden on people of color, the uninsured and the poor, as well as young, single people because they are less likely to have the resources to get a prescription. The unnecessary obstacle may force the person seeking the pill to turn to other, less safe birth control options. Pharmacies typically have more convenient hours than doctor’s offices, and they tend to be more common, allowing easier access to contraceptives for most people if the pill were available OTC.  

By making birth control pills more accessible via OTC access, unintended pregnancies may be reduced in vulnerable communities. In the U.S., unintended pregnancies account for approximately half of all pregnancies. Moreover, unintended pregnancies are nearly five times as likely among those with low incomes compared to higher earners, and rates are also higher for people of color and young people as compared to white, older people.

Teen pregnancies are especially high in communities of color, highlighting the need to ensure OTC access with no age restriction. In 2019, the teen birth rate for people of color was over 2x as high as the birth rate for white teens. The CDC  states that access to contraceptives, among other reproductive health services, will improve health outcomes and equity among adolescents. Ultimately, approving OTC status for birth control pills will allow folks to control their pregnancies and give them greater autonomy in planning their own families. 

After all this evidence, then, what is the holdup?  Let’s face it: politics. Although there is some bipartisan support for OTC birth control access (most surprisingly, from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Ted Cruz), the two parties cannot agree on what that access should look like. Some Republicans want to see an age restriction on OTC birth control, and some Democratic lawmakers worry that insurance companies will choose not to cover birth control if it becomes available OTC, placing an even bigger financial burden on contraceptive seekers. Of course, all of this seems to sit perfectly within a culture of paternalism, in which we don’t trust women to make their own decisions about their own bodies, even taking a pill that is arguably safer than Tylenol. Congress has a job: to put politics aside, look at the overwhelming evidence, and pass legislation revoking the FDA’s birth control prescription requirement. If they do, millions of people, and society, stands to gain.

• Tags National , Op-Ed

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The learning network | should birth control pills be available to teenage girls without a prescription.

Should Birth Control Pills Be Available to Teenage Girls Without a Prescription?

Questions about issues in the news for students 13 and older.

• See all Student Opinion »

Would over-the-counter birth-control pills lead to fewer unwanted pregnancies? Are they safe enough to be sold next to products like aspirin or cold medicine?

Should birth-control pills be available to teenage girls without a prescription?

In the news analysis “ Is It Time for Off-the-Shelf Birth-Control Pills? ” Elisabeth Rosenthal wonders if the time is ripe for a new government approach to oral contraceptives.

When a federal judge recently ordered the Food and Drug Administration to make the morning-after pill available to women of all ages without a prescription, the ruling was a political embarrassment for the Obama administration and unleashed protests from abortion foes and abstinence advocates. But that controversy may look like a tempest in a teapot compared with a broader and no less heated discussion that is roiling the medical community: should birth-control pills of any type require a doctor’s prescription? Or should they be available, like Tylenol, on pharmacy shelves? Last December the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released an official position paper concluding that the time had come for birth-control pills to be sold over the counter. It was the first time the group had endorsed such sales, concluding that scientific evidence suggested that the practice was safe and calling it “a potential way to improve contraceptive access and use, and possibly decrease the unintended pregnancy rate.” After all, oral contraceptives have been available in the United States for more than half a century, and few medicines have been so thoroughly vetted. Despite some catchy new brand names, the pills I took 25 years ago are essentially the same as those my daughter takes today. If anything, pills have become safer because they contain lower doses of estrogen.

Students: Tell us …

• Should birth-control pills be available to teenage girls without a prescription? Why or why not?
• Do you think the requirement that women get a doctor’s prescription discourages some sexually active teenage girls from taking birth-control pills? Would changing the rule decrease the rate of unintended pregnancies?
• Why do you think some parents might be concerned about making birth-control or morning-after pills available without a prescription?
• The Obama administration wants to set a minimum age of 15 for over-the-counter morning-after pills. Do you agree that there should be a minimum age? If so, what age?

Students 13 and older are invited to comment below. Please use only your first name . For privacy policy reasons, we will not publish student comments that include a last name.

Comments are no longer being accepted.

Over-the-counter birth control should be available to all girls. First of all, there are many health risks – for the infant and the mother – associated with teen pregnancy. Also, it is commonly known that teen pregnancy correlates with with lower annual income, high-school drop-out, and substance abuse. Moreover, from a pragmatic standpoint, the financial burdens that teen pregnancy places on our healthcare system at large are immense. With this corollary data in mind, why would we not want to give adolescents every possible form of protection? I think it is ridiculous to say that birth control will encourage sexual activity; people will have sex regardless of their access to birth control, and it is foolish for individuals to think they can demand that all Americans abide by their moral standard of no premarital sex. Finally, I think sex is a personal decision, something that the government should have no part in. Young females should be making their decisions based on their own emotional preparedness and discussions with trusted adults. Ultimately, our society has a problem with labeling female sexuality as “promiscuous,” when, really, it is natural. Being a virgin or having sex does not make you any better or worse of an individual. All we can hope is that we can give women and girls (and men and boys, lets not forget that they should also be responsible and part of the discussion when it comes to birth control) the tools to make the best decision for themselves.

By now, we have a big problem in our society called “unwanted pregnancy “in everywhere, the main reason we do not have education in that topic. Another thing, it should be influenced in poor countries like countries that belong to Africa continent. Moreover, in the United States of America it is a rule to have a prescription for whatever medicament .Also, I disagree with that topic about the teenagers should have a prescription in this case birth control pills. According with the mayor Bloomberg, he does not want more unwanted pregnancy, then, it is not necessary to get a prescription for that kind of medication. In fact, no one care about it.

Yes birth control pills should be available to teenage girls to prevent them from getting pregnant. No when a woman gets a doctors prescription it doesnt discourage the teenage girl from taking birth pills. Maybe it could decrease the rate of unintended pregnancies. Parents might be concerned about making birth control because they want the best for their kid. They wont want their kid to be young giving birth to a new child.Parents might be concerned with morning after pills because they must follow their prescription for no problem to happen to them. Yes i agree with a minimum age of 15 because thats when most people start getting pregnant and decides to do what they want.

About, Birth Control Pills Be Available to Teenage Girls without a Prescription, I agree because now many Girls leave their study because they are pregnant or spread with disease for lack of prevention, but for many parents is impossible believe that one girl of 15 age can buy pills without prescription. This ruling will be controversial and discussion topic, the government medical community between the parents and church representing. With this ruling was a political embarrassment for the Obama administration permit avoid that many teenage truncate their future.

I think birth-control pills should be available to teenage girls without a prescription. Some teenage girls feel shy to go to doctor for prescription. That’s why my opinion is birth-control pills should be available over the counter like Tylenol, aspirin. Otherwise teenage girls will be pregnant such a young age and that is very harmful for their body. In this way girls don’t have to do abortion. Sometimes some parents don’t want to go to doctor for a prescription because they don’t have time. They also want that birth-control pills should be available over the counter.

I really think that we need a control about all the medication and more if those are without prescription. Basing on article, I think if we have available pill for teenager is more possible than the teenagers get less responsibility when have sex. If the parents are concerned for their son get pills that is their responsibility. If teenager can get birth-control pills also they could be not thinking about venereal diseases, because the first solution is not having baby.

I think birth control pills should be available to teenage girls without prescription for many reasons. Sometime girls are afraid to go to a doctor and ask for the pill, so then months later they have the baby. Also sometimes teenage girl don’t know what to do because they are not aware of the pill. Some parent may be concern because they might think the pill will affect their daughter. Moreover, they might think getting the pill more easily, it will increase sexually active teenagers. I agree with Obama administration because at age of 15 girls are a little more mature, and will take the pill more responsibly.

I think they shouldn’t sell these pills without a prescription. I know a lot of people think that if they are selling this like an easy way for them to get it to avoid the risk of get pregnant. I guess some medications could cause a second reaction to some people, I could say just selling birth control pills without prescription is not the problem. I think the first thing has to start from their house with their parent’s orientation about those things. Most of the young people around our society take that decision without stop to think about the risk or consequences plus most of them take this as a game the evidence result that they are not sufficient matures, oriented or prepare for it.

I think girl should not use birth control pills because I heard that if they take birth control in a young age it would be hard for them to get baby. If we allowed girls to take birth control pills would have sex. I think some parent make these pills available for them because they don’t want to risk their daughter having a baby. I disagree with Obama he should set a minimum of an age of 18 and over for the birth control pills.

Alot of teenagers are dropping out because they get scared when they find out that they are prenant. I think it is okay for teens to be able to go to buy the pill themselves because when they are that young there parents probably don’t even know they are having sex therefore they are afraid to tell them if they end up pregnant then you have a teenage daughter scared out of her mind about being a mom.

Honestly… I think it’s a good idea because in today’s society, young people do whatever they think is good for them. They just need to be aware of what results will bring each decision they make.

Yes the birth control pills should be available to teenage girls at age 17 and over with a prescription because the girls nowadays are having sex so early age they are graduating from school with babies. I think should be a requirement for girl take the pills but the sometimes the pills doesn’t work and still can get pregnant. The parents might be concerned because parents can’t control all the time their children’s. I agree with Obama administration the correct age should be 15 and over and giving some instructions but for me the minimum age could be 17.

Over-the-counter birth control should be available to all girls. First of all, there are many health risks – for the infant and the mother – associated with teen pregnancy. Second of all its is ridiculous to say that birth control will encourage sexual activity; people will have sex regardless of their access to birth control. I think sex is a personal decision, something that the government should have no part in. Young females should be making their decisions. Our society now a day has a problem with labeling female sexuality as “promiscuous,” when, really, it is natural. Being a virgin or having sex does not make you any better or worse of an individual it’s your choice on wither you want to have sex or not, but better safe than sorry. Giving birth control and protection will decrease teen pregnancy and sexual transmitted diseases.

it should available for every body over the counters because if you dont you know what’s going to happen alot of babies as well as all babies will rely on food stamps or other benifits. And people have sex desires but they dont want to have a baby in their early age that way it is in benifit of both couple, but if you see the other side of the story,there are a lots of side effect of those pills such as stomach ach, dizzyness, unusuall headache, etc. i think it should be available but those who doesnt effect your body in any other way besides controlling pregnency’s but it is not possible.

think, that the birth control pills should not be available to teenage girls because if they approve the teenage will have the door open to have sex anytime they want. Also through the times they will see the consequence because take too much pills and the end, the body will not resist all those medication. And it not just to get pregnant, the problems is that there are lot diseases and taking pills is not the solution. Our body is a temple we have to care like a treasure. Have sex is not the most important in our life. God gave us the freedom to decide what way we want to take. Now think which way you want to choose.

Yes they should be available with out a prescription because if a girl is having sex, nothing is going to stop her. There’s no strong evidence (?) that they are super dangerous. The biggest problem for some sexually active girls is that they are embarrassed/afraid of talking with a doctor or parent regrading contraceptives, and this may give options to more girls, which could decrease the rate of unintended pregnancies.

Some parents might be concerned, because some parents are very controlling. Many parents don’t even, really want to know if their kids are having sex. There could be health risks, that parents would b e concerned about. This also is not just about young people, prostitutes of all ages could use these over the counter contraceptives as well.

Human biology varies within it’s development, and some females may become sexually active/mature at a very young age. So putting a limit on the age doesn’t really make much sense, as far as effectiveness of contraception goes. So no age limit. Ultimately people should be allowed to make their own decisions regarding sex.

I don’t think that it should be given out with out a descxription. Because doctors need to check on the girls first so that they can see if the girls really need it.

I think teenager girls shouldn’t take birth control pills unless they get a prescription or a note from their doctor to make sure if they can take it. It helps teenager girls to make sure their body is in good health , and also to make sure if their body can take it.

Birth control I think should be prescribted because if you dont go to a doctor and get checked, you can risk your health. I personaly think that young girls, should be honest to a trusted adult to talk about the situation they are in, wether it’s to not get pregnent, or control thier period. I’ve heard that birth control can have some affects on diffrent people in diffrent situations, so the wise thing to do is go to a doctor to get clear information on it and if something was to go wrong, they could immidiatly fix the problem.

I think that if we were to set down the age limit to get morning after pills and birth-control pills to 15 or so they would at least have a parents consent to get them until 17 or 18. It could also give high school girls or younger a reason for it do be okay to be going those things. It wouldn’t be good with younger girls getting birth-control at that age without knowing everything about them, different side effects, and what they can and cant do for you.

Absolutely not. I had been taking birth control pills for about three years when I had serious complications from them. Right away, the doctors said it was the pill causing clots. This is evidently fairly common. Young girls should not be getting this medication without a doctor monitoring them. Many might not even tell their doctor they are taking them, for fear their parents will find out. Also, these pills work by altering your reproductive hormones. What are the long-terms effects of this in girls who are still undergoing puberty? This is a ridiculous idea. Also, teenagers already feel untouchable. If they are getting birth control pills without a conversation with their doctor, I think we will only see a rise in STDs. Pills protect against pregnancy, not AIDS or herpes. At least they will be screened for these things and have a talk about prevention with their doctor if they have to get a prescription. Many schools have abstinence only education now, so they might not be hearing it in school.

that i think there should be a pill it will help the econmy and it allows more acess to this stuff that can help people.

NO. Definitely not. They shouldn’t even be available with a prescription. The choice to misuse yourself in such a way as to need this abominable pill is horrible, and nobody should be allowed to dodge the consequences of their choices. This will lead to less fear of abusing people that way in the future, and yet another excuse to make that mistake. Additionally, it kills something unborn yet alive, which you have made (in this case, from an awful choice), and, depsite your willingness to commit the act that produces a child you are unwilling to allow them to be born. That is to say nothing of the many possible side effects which have a wide range of possible damage. Birth control is a disgusting menace of our day.

I disagree the birth control pills for the reasons that I do think it is a kind of way harming girl’s body because medicine is no good for people always and especially at girls’ growing age. However people would not concern about that instead of keeping using it. If it is really necessary to make a minimum age of giving the pills to girls, I think it is more reasonable to agree 18 years old.

It is ridiculous to me that some people are so close minded that they believe birth control should be given to young girls over the counter without a prescription. First of all, your opinion is irrelevant if you are saying that they should be given over the counter because young girls have diseases….birth control does not prevent STDs or protect against any kind of disease. You would know that if you went to a gynecologist, someone who specializes in female health and can teach you more about your body and the pill. Fifteen year olds who are too afraid to tell their parents they are sexually active and want to buy birth control without their guardians knowing should not be having sex. The requirement that woman need a doctor’s prescription may be discouraging to some teenage girls, but maybe that is a good thing. Changing the rule of not needing a prescription won’t decrease the rate of unintended pregnancies, it will increase the rate of girls improperly taking birth control and unnecessarily taking it. Gynecologists can explain to patients all the symptoms, rules, and reasons of birth control rather than them buying them off a shelf at CVS without any knowledge. Part of going on an oral contraceptive is being responsible enough to talk to someone about your bodily functions. It is disgusting to me that there is even a thought of offering them to just anyone in the public as if they are candy.

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