Blogging Pregnancy

On August 24th the federal government decided to let women age 18 and older buy the controversial “morning after pill” over-the-counter.

The reaction from women is mixed. Some feel the ruling is a benefit to women who are at risk for unwanted pregnancy and who may be too embarrassed to get contraception from a clinic. However, it also presents the opportunity for people to acquire (more easily) and potentially abuse the morning after pill.

The morning after pill is not a replacement for appropriate contraception and birth control. Some fear young women will get the idea that the morning after pill is the only pill women need to prevent unwanted pregnancy. However, proponents of the new legislation point to the need to promote women’s reproductive rights, and this is certainly a step in that direction.

The Decision on Plan B
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration still requires girls younger than 18 to get a prescription for the morning after pill. Still, providing the pill over the counter will make it easier for young women to acquire the morning after pill illegally if necessary.

However, many women’s rights activists feel providing the morning after pill is a great step for women in the right direction. Many women are encouraging the government to reevaluate their guidelines and offer the pill OTC to even younger women. Advocates including those from Planned Parenthood believe allowing greater access is a positive step in the right direction toward women’s reproductive rights.

Still other health advocates including private gynecologists agree. The morning after pill, Called Plan “B” doesn’t interrupt a pregnancy. Instead, it prevents pregnancy from occurring by preventing implantation.

Members of Right To Life groups however, fear that younger women will ask older siblings or peers to acquire the pill for them without a proper doctors consultation. In addition, some pharmacies may decide to forgo stocking the Plan B pill.

The Answer Lies in Education
The answer may lie in education. Many agree it is far better to teach young women about the dangers of not only unwanted pregnancy, but also sexually transmitted disease. The message that should be delivered is one promoting safe and consensual sex, according to many.

Plan B should be promoted as an emergency alternative only, to women who don’t want to get pregnant but are at risk. As long as educators work to inform and educate women, many, including the US FDA, believe Plan B will not be abused, and will be used correctly and safely. It will provide many women with a safe and helpful alternative in the event they need emergency contraception.

Still, it is likely controversy about Plan B, and contraceptives in general, will likely continue. As long as there are “right to life” advocates poised against “freedom of choice” there will always be controversy surrounding pregnancy, contraception and women’s reproductive choices.

What is important? You make informed decisions, and learn as much as you can about your reproductive rights, health and ability to choose the best method of protection for you, your life and lifestyle.