In executing our lives, we often have a backup plan in case our previous arrangements fall through. This is generally referred to as a 'Plan B.' Appropriately sharing the same title, the most popular brand of emergency contraception has recently become more controversial than ever.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Edward Korman ordered the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make emergency contraception legally purchasable by women ages 17 and older. Many antiabortion pharmacies and abortion protesters alike are up in arms over this decision.
As a generally conservative voter, my peers often question me about my beliefs on abortion. In case you're truly concerned, I do believe in a woman's right to choose -without anyone else's consent - and I agree with the idea of disallowing third trimester abortions.
Once again, the rest of my political party has embarrassed me greatly.
For the record, emergency contraception is not a type of abortion; it is a type of birth control. If doctors and legislation allow women of any age to obtain a prescription for regular birth control medications so easily, the message is being sent that using birth control is the responsible thing for all members of society to do.
Also, one doesn't need identification to purchase condoms, spermicidal lubricants, sponges or diaphragms. These, just like emergency contraception, are all legal forms of birth control.
We live in a world of increasing over-sexualization. Education, legislation, parents and communities should be much more realistic about the sexual tendencies of adolescents. Because parents are often not present or willing to talk to their children about sexual education and safe sex, the public relies on educational institutions to lecture young men and women about these issues.
While it is a monumental step to lower the legal purchasing age of emergency contraception, increased education to the entire American public on the drug is necessary. While plenty of us learned what we know about sex from friends, boyfriends or girlfriends and locker room talk, there is a great amount of young people who truly do not know enough to protect themselves from STDs or unwanted pregnancies.
I applaud Korman for the courageousness of his decision to allow Barr Pharmaceuticals to sell Plan B to women that are at least 17 years of age. However, why are males not allowed to purchase the drug?
Oftentimes, a female may be too embarrassed to visit Planned Parenthood or their local pharmacy to pick the drug up. Whatever the circumstances, gender equality should certainly be respected in this situation. In addition, pharmacies, whether part of a chain or a local family-run establishment, must learn to leave their personal opinions aside.
Being judgmental of or rude to a young person obtaining birth control, no matter what type, may lead to adolescents contracting sexually transmitted diseases or young women with unwanted pregnancies. After all, if legislation allows it, it is unfair to deprive a consumer of it.
No matter what your personal ideas are on abortion, unwed sexual experiences or birth control, remember all of the children that aren't adopted and are put in a series of foster homes because of unprepared mothers and nonexistent fathers. Remember children that are reared in circumstances of poverty, drugs and violence because of parents with little or no legal income. Before you judge birth control, bear in mind that not all people have your upbringing, circumstances, or experience.
After all, wouldn't we all be better off not having to worry about the poor offspring of Octomom?
