Let’s Talk About It

By Samantha Schwartz ’16

Birth control is a taboo. It is embarrassing for many young girls to ask for, talk about, and take. But why? Why is birth control something that is talked about in hushed whispers?

Birth control is different methods used to prevent pregnancy, but it can hold other benefits, such as lower cancer risk, clearer skin, lighter and less painful periods and more. The only negative, aside from minor side effects, is its negative connotation.

Because birth control’s main purpose is to prevent pregnancy, it is immediately linked to the controversial topic of sex. Sex will always be a taboo because all cultures, religions, families, etc. have varying opinions surrounding the topic. But birth control should not be at fault just because of its association with sex. Birth control prevents the risk of being a teen mother and allows women to make the decision of when they should have a child. And it has countless other benefits unrelated to sex.

According to Guttmacher Institute, a non-profit organization that works to advance reproductive health through birth control, 14 percent (1.5 million women) rely on contraceptive pills exclusively for non-contraceptive purposes, such as lighter periods and lower cancer risk.

Along with birth control’s reputation comes the whispers and shame. Young women typically are embarrassed to talk about the fact that they are on birth control because it is immediately assumed that they are having sex, even when there are other reasons. But even if someone is using the Pill for contraceptive purposes, why should they be shamed for protecting themselves against having a child too young or at the wrong time?

Health organizations, different publications and media understand the correlation between birth control and its negative connotation. The Center for Young Women’s Health is an organization women can turn to for information about health and wellness. One question on the FAQ site of the Center for Young Women’s Health’s website reads, “Should I tell my friends that I’m taking birth control pills?” The fact that this educational institute accounts for the negative connotation associated with birth control on its frequently asked questions site is alarming. The answer given encourages women to “just think about what’s best for you” because “someone hearing that you are taking ‘the Pill’ may assume it’s because you are having sex.” This organization understands that people are too quick to judge someone who is on birth control. However, the way society reacts to the Pill should not be the deciding factor for a young woman to be on the pill or not.

People should be more proud and supportive of birth control and its users because it is pretty incredible to have control of your own life, whether it be planning to have a child or just regulating a period. A girl should never have to choose between health, safety and protection because of fear of embarrassment and shame.