Even though the word birth control has been in use for a few centuries, birth limitation has been practiced throughout human beings’ history (Engelman, 2011). From the time human race embraced civilization, women have been expected to give birth until they reach menopause. Giving birth to many children ensured that some of them would survive the infancy diseases that were fatal. Nevertheless, it should be noted that in every era and society women have always sought for ways to postpone childbearing or reduce the occurrences of pregnancy. They did so regardless of cultural or religious prohibition. Linda Gordon asserts, “People have tried to control reproduction in virtually all known societies, and not simply as private matters” (Gordon, 2002).
In the United States, birth control was embraced until the late 19th century when it was outlawed (Amory, 2011). In the subsequent years, a number of activists and medics found advocating for the practice were jailed and judged. It was not allowed up to the year 1938, that the court lifted the prohibition of birth control. Ever since then, numerous researches have been conducted to enhance the methods of birth control. Similarly, the courts have allowed all citizens regardless of their marital status to have access to birth control. Currently, there are several birth control methods available for women. However, it should be noted that challenges to the right to use reliable birth control methods still exist in our society. These challenges arise from societal values, spouses, and religious beliefs (Granzow, 2007). I believe that these challenges should be abolished. Notably, those opposed to these methods want to limit women’s right to access reasonably priced birth control and their right to decide when to become pregnant.
In my opinion, all women should be allowed to have access to birth control methods. In this regard, choosing the method should be based on individual preferences. Every woman should be educated on the available birth control methods. During these education programs, they should be informed about the risks and benefits associated with each method. Thereafter, they should be allowed to come up with their own choices.
Every woman should note that there are a number of myths and facts about birth control. Therefore, the more a woman learns about this issue the better she will understand the difference between the facts and the myths (Tolani & Yen, 2009). Similarly, every woman has distinct sexual habits, medical history, lifestyle, and side effects. This implies that a woman cannot depend on the other women or individuals when choosing the appropriate birth control method (Thorburn & Bogart, 2005). As such, the appropriate method should be reached individually after weighing the above factors.
Equally, I believe that limiting or controlling women’s access to birth control infringes their right to health. Birth control can improve a woman’s life by allowing her to raise the children she can manage and avoid pregnancy complications. There are allegations that in the year 2011 there were attempts to bar the money meant for Planned Parenthood Centers in the United States by the House of Representatives (Engelman, 2011). If such attempts were successful, the federal government could have been able to dictate how women can get access to birth control. All the politicians, religious leaders, and birth control critics should be prevented from interfering with these issues. They should note that these issues are personal, and their opinions should never outweigh an individual’s opinion.
References
Amory, J. K. (2011). A History of the Birth Control Movement in America. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 121(10), 378-382.
Engelman, P. (2011). A History of the Birth Control Movement in America. Santa Barbara, Calif.: Praeger.
Gordon, L. (2002). The Moral Property of Women: A History of Birth Control Politics in America (3rd ed.). Urbana and Chicago: University of Illinois Press.
Granzow, K. (2007). De-constructing ‘choice’: The Social Imperative and Women’s Use Of The Birth Control Pill. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 9(1), 43-54.
Thorburn, S., & Bogart, L. M. (2005). Conspiracy Beliefs about Birth Control: Barriers To Pregnancy Prevention Among African Americans Of Reproductive Age. Health Education & Behavior, 32(4), 474-487.
Tolani, A. T., & Yen, S. (2009). Many Websites Fail To Dispel Myths About IUDs, Emergency Contraception, Birth Control, And Proper Timing Of Pap Smears. Journal of Adolescent Health, 44(2), 521-621.