Why Birth Control is a Fundamental Right
- Ishaa Dhamne
- Feb 20, 2021
- 1 min read
According to the Institute of Medicine, birth control improves the health of both women and their families. An increased access to birth control not only leads to a decline in unplanned pregnancies, but also maternal mortality rates. Birth control decreases the number of high-risk births that take place by giving women agency over their reproductive decisions. Even beyond physical health, birth control also gives women access to greater opportunities in life. In 2015, Planned Parenthood reported that access to the pill before the age of 21 was the most influential factor in determining whether or not a woman would stay in college. This report also mentions that birth control was estimated to lead to a 30% increase in the percentage of women in skilled careers between 1970 and 1990. Evidently, access to contraception allows women to have control over their own bodies and life decisions, opening all kinds of doors for them.
Although many anti-abortion groups advocate for abortion bans, access to contraceptives is actually a truly effective way to prevent unplanned pregnancies (and, as a result, abortions.) The Guttmacher Institute has reported that abortion restrictions are not the primary reason behind reduced abortion rates. Some of the main reasons behind lower abortion rates were increased access to contraceptives, prenatal healthcare and access to sexual education.
Although the primary usage of birth control is to prevent unwanted pregnancies, it is also fundamental in helping women with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis. All in all, it is a woman’s right to decide when and if she has a child. Birth control isn’t a privilege, it’s a right.
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