Category: Birth Control

Most individuals assume that birth control pills were established in the 1960 although the activity dates back several years. A considerable number of traditional cultures developed clean portions of plants and tree bark as a form of controlling birth. Some statistics reveal that an extraction from the silphium plant was quite effective in controlling pregnancy.

Research shows that the plant was in use for over one thousand years ago. New methods were developed during the middle age where some methods were proved to be critical for women that did not realize the consequences of taking mercury or lead. However, with time, there have been improvements in medical technology that has as a result replaced such ineffective approaches of birth control.

Research has revealed that there are some doctors who do not prescribe birth control pills to teenagers or anyone under the age of eighteen (National Research Council 45). Such doctors fail to understand that most youths or teenagers within that age group are quite active sexually due to curiosity or peer pressure. This implies that when doctors refuse to prescribe birth control pills to these teenagers, they are most likely to face some harsh consequences.

For instance, absence of birth control pills means unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, early and unprepared parenthood, loss of parental assistance and dropping out of school. Some of the young women even choose to abort the child, which is illegal. Teenagers and anyone under the age of eighteen should be provided with birth control pills by doctors because such control pills help in controlling or reducing teenage pregnancies.

However, they should not encourage youths to have sex. As long as proper education is provided to these youths, they will not engage in sex every now and then. This paper seeks to find out relevant solutions that can help overcome the problem of doctors’ unwillingness to prescribe birth control pills to teenagers and anyone under the age of eighteen. This is because of the current rise in teenage pregnancies within the society and the world as a whole.

Problem Statement

Doctors’ not prescribing birth control pills to teenagers and anyone under the age of eighteen has become a big issue in the entire world. This is because a considerable number of people think that abstinence is the best method, whereas others think that teenagers are supposed to learn how to develop responsible choices in case they plan to engage in sexual activities.

Although abstinence is the only best method to guarantee reduced immorality and unwanted pregnancies, teenage pregnancy rates are constantly increasing, which makes one to think that the abstinence awareness program is not quite effective. This proposal aims at finding solutions that could help solve the problem where doctors are not prescribing birth control pills to teenagers and anyone under the age of eighteen.

Methodology

In order for the research to be successful, it needs to employ some methodologies that will provide the necessary information concerning the problem at hand. This proposal will employ interviews and questionnaires as the best methodologies in finding out why the doctors choose not to provide birth control pills to teenagers, as well as the views of parents, teachers and students concerning the issue. The results will be analyzed and possible solutions enacted depending on the views provided from the research.

Proposed Solution

According to Zonderman (67), there are laws that have been implemented in each state that grants any person under the age of eighteen or teenagers the rights to birth control pills or contraception.

It is advisable that both parents and teenagers learn about the various alternatives laws that exist within their specific dwelling locations so that they know what they are required to do in terms of accessing birth control pills from doctors. For instance, there are about twenty two states inclusive of New York and California that permit any person above the age of twelve to endorse birth control pills.

On the other hand, other nations or states only permit birth control pills to youths or minors who are already married, have accomplished their high school education or are under other programmed groups. When parents and their teenagers, as well as doctors learn and understand the laws governing them, they will both be in agreement on the best approach to take in order to help teenagers manage sexual issues and reduce early pregnancies.

In addition, rather than blaming doctors for not prescribing birth control pills to teenagers and any person under the age of eighteen, it is quite necessary that both teenagers and their parents or guardians develop a strong relationship with each other to create room for free expression between the child and the parent concerning matters of birth control pills and teenage pregnancy.

For instance, it is vital when teenagers talk to their parents because that is the best way in which they get the coverage they need concerning birth control pills. Parents will always have the knowledge on how to deal or handle their sexual active teenagers and they can choose to visit the doctor together so that they can be provided with best approaches depending with the health of the person in question.

Teenagers must check on the doctor in order to discuss their health history before commencing any prescribed birth control. This is because currently, there are a good number of birth control pills available in the market, each with its own side effects. Creating a strong connection with the health provider may result into ensuring that teenagers receive the best existing treatment that is both essential for birth control requirements and their entire health (National Research Council 46).

Furthermore, those doctors not prescribing birth control pills to teenagers will be advised not to be so strict when it comes to providing contraceptive to teenagers because of various reasons. For instance, contraceptive help in controlling unplanned for pregnancy and this will allow the teenager to continue with his or her education because they use birth control pills. Unplanned pregnancy comes with several responsibilities, which anyone under the age of 18 cannot handle.

This is because they lack enough resources such as financial resources to help support both the baby and themselves. These consequences and many others should enable doctors to help the sexually active teenagers and minors with the best methods of controlling pregnancies by accepting to prescribe the control pills to such minors after a serious medical check up. These are some of the proposed solutions that could help solve the problem of doctors not prescribing birth control pills to teenagers.

Works Cited

National Research Council. Risking the Future: Adolescent Sexuality, Pregnancy, and Childbearing. New York, NY: National Academies Press, 1987.

Zonderman, Jon. Birth control pills. New York, NY: Chelsea House, 2006.

Introduction

The need to offer birth control to teenagers is a topic that has been actively discussed over the years, and the interest in it has been increasing. It is important to say that teen childbearing is an issue that has always been regarded as incredibly problematic, and there have been numerous attempts to address it.

Discussion

It is believed that a provision of free birth control would help to solve this issue. It is paramount to say that it is a significant problem that needs to be addressed because the number of cases of teenage childbearing is one of the highest in the United States compared to other countries that are industrialized (Manlove et al. 89). Also, it is necessary to mention that the scope of this problem has reduced in recent years, but it is not possible to determine what has led to such changes. Another issue that needs to be discussed is that a significant percentage of individuals participate in unsafe sex even when they understand that it may be incredibly risky.

The problem is that they may think that birth control is too expensive. It is important to mention that most teenagers are not ready to have children, and it frequently results in poor parenting and other complications. Young parents have to deal with several tough choices, and it is not an easy task to accept such options as abortion because there is still no consensus on this topic. Teenagers must have an understanding of what course of action is reasonable in such cases.

Another issue that should not be overlooked is that an enormous percentage of parents are afraid to talk about sex with their children because of numerous factors.

It is also imperative to note that many factors increase the risk of unsafe sex among teenagers, such as poverty, being drunk, or under the influence of others. Also, it is necessary to mention that the number of teenage childbearing is different for races and ethnicities because of such aspects as traditions and others. One of the biggest issues that should be taken into account is the dissimilarity between the levels of education. An enormous percentage of teenagers do not have access to necessary information at home or educational facilities, and it leads to risky behavior in some cases. It is fascinating that one of the studies suggests that access to free birth control does not reduce teenage pregnancy rates (Girma and Paton 1021). Such results are shocking, and it is entirely possible that there is a need for future research in this area. It is necessary to mention that it has most likely been caused by the fact that many individuals do not have an understanding of issues and complications are related to teen childbearing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is evident that the need to provide birth control to teenagers should not be overlooked. An enormous percentage of incidents and complications could have been avoided if the government took necessary measures. It is believed that teenagers have started to be much less sexually actives because of various factors, and a significant percentage of them begun to use birth control. However, it is still a critical issue that needs to be addressed. Overall, it is necessary to focus on such aspects as an education of the population, and the promotion of safe sex among teenagers.

Works Cited

Girma, Sourafel, and David Paton. “Matching Estimates of the Impact of Over‐the‐counter Emergency Birth Control on Teenage Pregnancy.” Health Economics 15.9 (2006): 1021-1032. Print.

Manlove, Jennifer et al. “Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Transition to a Teenage Birth in the United States.” Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 45.2 (2013): 89-100. Print.

Introduction

Although it is difficult most times to decide the best birth control for a couple, the best method is the one that fits with the couple’s goals, values, likes and dislikes, in addition to their daily lifestyles. This is because there is no single birth control method except abstinence that is 100% effective so a couple might consider options like; how would they couple up with unwanted pregnancy, their feelings and beliefs about being pregnant, abortion, adoption (Regina, 1991).

Therefore when looking for information about a given method, it is very important to know that effectiveness is listed in two different ways; “perfect use” and “typical use”. The first relates to a couple that uses the method correctly every time the couple has sexual intercourse and the latter is for an average couple who actually do not use the method every time or when they use it, it is used incorrectly.

Main text

However, in general all birth control methods are safe, but it is of utmost importance to be concerned about the major health risks for any man and woman trying to choose any method, as this will affect their ability to have children in the future and the associated multiple side effects. Therefore to protect a couple’s health;

1. in whatever method you are interested in, read all patient information provided and understand it well
2. Most of the information in the method may not be updated, it is therefore important to talk to a health care provider in order to get the most current information about the risks and benefits of the particular method, this includes even any information you have heard or read that worries you (St. Legislatures,1998).

A couple should also consider the cost of the method they choose. If they are expensive, coverage can be provided by insurance companies although most of them pay for surgical sterilization. Currently the following birth control methods are commonly used; Birth control pills (Depo proveda), male and female condoms, Abstinence, Tubal ligation, Vasectomy. IUD, Patch and Ring.

Even though some birth control methods do work better than others, the most effective way to prevent pregnancy is abstinence, however, it is not after sometimes of practicing abstinence when you find some couples become pregnant, this is because they normally have sex anyway without the use of protection after some time. It is therefore of fundamental for those who don’t plan to have sex to be informed about birth control, for they need to use birth control properly and every time to prevent pregnancy.

Of the above mentioned, Birth control pills, male and female condoms are the most commonly used birth control methods, Birth control methods has advantages like; decreased menstrual pain and bleeding, there is reduced risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, there is reduced acne, increased milk supply for breastfeeding women and lastly the use of this method leads to prevention of ovarian cysts; while in the use of both male and female condoms, they mainly prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

A birth control pill contains hormones that change the way the body works and prevents pregnancy. (Hormones are chemical substances that control the functioning of the body’s organs); in this case, the hormones in the pill control the ovaries and the uterus. Birth control pills are “combination pills” that is to say; they contain a combination of estrogen and progesterone hormones, and these are hormones that prevent ovulation, that is, the release of an egg during the monthly cycle.

This helps to prevent pregnancy because a woman cannot get pregnant because she will not ovulate (Torantola &Gruskin 1998). The pill also works by thickening the mucus around the cervix and this makes it difficult for sperm to enter the cervix to reach any eggs that may have been released. At times the hormones affect the lining of the uterus, making it difficult for an egg to attach to the wall of the uterus.

Most of these pills come in a combination of either 21 days or pack or a 28-day pack. For a 21 day and 28-day pack it means that you take the pill for 21 days and 28 days respectively and once you stop taking the pills ovulation will occur and you might get pregnant.

There is also another kind of pill that changes the number of monthly periods known as the mini-pill or the low-dose progesterone pill. It is different from the other pills because it only contains one hormone; progesterone, which works by changing the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus although at times it affects ovulation, but it is slightly less effective at preventing pregnancy.

The Birth control pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, and it therefore requires to be accompanied by condoms or abstinence the decision not to have sex. Although effective and safe birth control method, it has a few side effects like irregular menstrual bleeding, nausea, weight pain, headaches, dizziness and breast tenderness, mood changes; blood clots, but this rare for younger women below 35 years who do not smoke.

This method is used by women only.

Condoms are generally considered a barrier method of contraception. A male condom is made of a thin latex rubber sheath worn on the penis while a female condom is a polyurethane sheath that has a flexible ring on both ends. When using it, one end is closed and is inserted into the vagina, while the other ring sits outside the opening of the vagina, but a male condom is far more widely used and is sometimes known as “rubber” or “prophylactic”.

The main function of the condom is to prevent the semen, the fluid that contains sperm from entering the vagina. A male condom is placed on an erect guy’s penis, unrolled all the way to the base of the penis while holding the tip of the condom to leave some extra rubber; this helps to create space for semen after ejaculation and helps to prevent any breakage during the intercourse ( Torantola &Gruskin 1998). After ejaculation, he should hold the condom at the base of the penis and pull out of the vagina while still erect to prevent the condom from slipping off and therefore enable the sperm to enter the vagina.

Conclusion

A female condom is inserted into the vagina using the closed-end ring while the other ring creates the open end of the condom. The sheath lines the walls of the vagina creating a barrier between the sperm and the cervix. It is important to note that male and female condoms cannot be used at the same time because they can get stuck together and cause the other to slip during intercourse, and thereby making it ineffective.

However most male condoms are made of latex, and those made of lambskin offer less protection against some STDs, and HIV, therefore the use of latex condoms is recommended or polyurethane for those allergic to latex (Torantola & Gruskin,1998). When properly used latex condoms are effective against most STDs. Although most men and women have no problems using these condoms they have a few side effects which occur occasionally; allergy to latex condoms, irritation of the penis or the vagina from spermicides or lubricants that condoms are treated with.

References

Regina, V. (1991). In the encyclopedia of health: The reproductive system.

ST. Legislatures (1998). In the article “Should Health Insurers Cover Contraception Costs”.

Torantola, D. and Gruskin S. (1998). Health and Human Rights.UNAIDS practice collection. Geneva.

Birth control should not be given to teenagers. This is a fact that should not be taken for granted neither by seniors nor by any government or private organizations that cater to teenage needs and other issues related to adolescents and/or youths. There are many different reasons why birth control should be advocated for teenagers.

For one, it should be noted that women’s reproductive health is very important; hence it must always be taken into consideration. Various studies and researches were done which are all aimed at informing all concerned individuals on how to properly take care of women’s reproductive health as well as the means and ways of preventing women from different kinds of problems (e.g., unwanted pregnancies, abortion, etc.) and diseases (AIDS, etc.). However, if the idea of birth control is presented to teenagers, this would only mean that the idea of unwanted pregnancy will also come up … and this will surely present more and bigger problems.

One of the most imminent issues related to women’s reproductive health is unwanted pregnancies. According to the article printed in the United States, consequences of unintended pregnancy can be serious, even life-altering, particularly for women who are “young or unmarried, have just recently given birth or already have the number of children they want.” An unplanned pregnancy can be a barrier to obtaining timely prenatal care because it may take weeks or months for a woman to realize or accept that she is pregnant. Lack of prenatal care —along with poor birth-spacing or giving birth before or after one’s childbearing prime —can pose health risks for the woman and for her newborn (Bishop, 1984). In addition, an unintended pregnancy can interfere with a young woman’s education, limiting her employment possibilities and her ability to support herself and her family. Largely for reasons such as these, half of the women who become pregnant unintentionally decide to have an abortion, which can be a serious decision in itself (The Guttmacher Report, 2007).

All over the world, the rate of unintended pregnancy is unacceptably high. The means and ability to prevent unintended pregnancy is well known among healthcare professionals and education providers, but apparently, not among the public or ordinary civilians (MacLean, 2004). This is the very reason why various methods of contraception were introduced. However, as the need for contraceptive methods is continuously rising, the number of issues concerning contraceptives’ health risks and benefits is also increasing. Now, more and more people see the need to use contraceptives to prevent pregnancy, but they are also careful about the health benefits that they can achieve from each form of contraceptive as they are also wary about the risks they may face while and years after using such contraceptive.

This is exactly the reason why the idea of using birth control should not be given to teenagers. Birth control methods in themselves result in underlying problems which affect not only the whole of women’s reproductive health but also the overall perception towards life and towards their body.

The second big reason why birth control is not a good idea to be promoted to teenage minds is because of the arising number of problems that are now being encountered with regards to rates of teenage pregnancy across countries. There are reports that fraudulent counseling centers offering support to teenage women are potentially putting women’s health at risk by forcing them to discontinue pregnancy at all costs. Providing false medical information, making moral and religious judgments, and showing graphic videos or material that misrepresents abortion are among the methods these centers use to coerce teenagers (MacLean, 2004).

There are more than 100 fraudulent counseling centers across Canada alone, which would mean that in other countries, there could be more. These fraud counseling centers are often listed in the Yellow Pages as “abortion alternatives,” they use names such as Crisis Pregnancy Center, Pregnancy Distress Center, Beginnings Crisis Pregnancy Care, Care Center for Women, and Birth Right. These centers are often found in smaller towns where no other counseling options may exist. In larger cities, they may locate themselves near medical centers, Planned Parenthood offices, or abortion clinics in an effort to attract women. Funding usually comes from charities or religious groups who believe pre-marital sex, contraception, and informed choice is immoral. These centers may use marketing strategies such as providing false medical information; forcing their religious beliefs or opinions on women; using graphic images and videos that misrepresents abortion procedures; telling pregnant teens not to tell their parents about the pregnancy, as the parents may advise abortion; and claiming that condoms and other forms of contraception don’t work (MacLean, 2004).

Hence, if teenagers are given false hopes or if they are given wrongful ideas regarding birth control, they will be the ones who will really suffer in the end.

The third reason why birth control should not be advocated for teenagers is that there are more other things that teenagers must learn before any idea of controlling pregnancy is given. I personally think that because teenagers are receiving too much information, they became confused about where to start first or how this information is related to each other. Maybe, what the society or educators should have first are the properly outlined topics and information that should also be given to all members of the population, particularly the teenagers. There are several topics included in the topic of women’s reproductive health, and I have found one good outline that tackles all about this topic. And this is as follows:

A. Guide to Reproductive Health

• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Causes for Menstrual Disturbances
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Ectopic Pregnancy
• Cervical Cancer
• Toxic Shock Syndrome

B. Infertility

• Infertility and Conception
• When Am I Fertile?
• Factors Affecting Fertility
• Products for Conception

C. Responsible Sexual Choices & You

• Teens and Sex
• Sex and Singles
• Everything-But-Sex
• Sex and Marriage
• Infidelity

Meanwhile, many governments and privately owned institutions offer discussions and/or lectures regarding reproductive health and, more specifically but are we all aware where to contact or how to reach them, if in case we have some further inquiries? I believe that these institutions should also provide the contact information of this agency or medical professionals who can give further explanations to the people’s inquiries. I have found some cite which offers this kind of information, and these are as follows:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 1600 Clifton Rd., NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
• Medical Institute for Sexual Health P.O. Box 4919, Austin, TX 78765-4919; Tel. (800) 892-9484, Fax (512) 472-7062
• The Couple to Couple League, P.O. Box 111184, Cincinnati, OH 45211 (513) 661-7612
• Elisa Janine Sobo, Choosing Unsafe Sex: Aids-Risk Denial Among Disadvantaged Women, 1995.
• AIDS Information Hotline (CDC): 1-800-342-2437
• JAMA AIDS Information Center
• HIV/AIDS Hotline 1-800-922-AIDS
• WPRC Pregnancy Information Site

The last, and definitely not the least, a big reason why the idea of birth control should be presented to teenagers is the fact that birth control in itself offers a lot of problems and burdens to society. Yes, it can be noted that the teen pregnancy rate is unacceptably high. This shows that the means and ability to prevent unintended pregnancy may be well known among healthcare professionals and education providers, but with regards to the efficacy of contraceptive methods used, statistics reveal that (MacLean, 2004):

• The effectiveness of short-term contraceptive methods varies according to the age, marital and economic status of the person using them. For example, the failure rate of the pill for girls under 20 is about 6%, double the pill’s overall rate.
• Human error often plays a part in the contraceptive failure. For example, withdrawal has a failure rate of 4% if used perfectly, but for typical users, the failure rate is 19% or higher.
• There is no 100% effective method of contraception. Next to sterilization, contraceptive implants like NORPLANT (which are new to Canada) are the most effective contraceptive – fewer than 1/2 of 1% of users become pregnant in the first year of use.

To reiterate, the idea of birth control is strongly suggested not to be presented to teenagers yet because there are more other and many important things that they have to know first when it comes to their health, much more about the women’s reproductive health. If, at this early stage, they will already realize how pregnancy can be prevented, then they will also be given ideas that they will not need to take responsibility for their actions. They can easily splurge on premarital sex or teenage sex because they know that there are measures that they can do to prevent giving birth. More so, if at this very you age, they will already learn the various approaches of birth control, it is as if we are just giving them permission to do anything they want to their body because there’s no harm that they can do with it… and so they will already disregard the fact that they have to take care of their body, their emotions and ultimately, their own self.

References

1. Birth Control Guides. 1997. Epigee.com.
2. Bishop, Mary F. 1984. “Vivian Dowding: Birth Control Activist” in Not Just Pin Money: Selected Essays on the History of Women’s Work in British Columbia. Eds. Barbara K. Latham and Roberta J. Pazdro. Victoria: Camosum College. p.327.
3. Contraceptive Use in Canada. 2004.
4. MacLean, Adele. Fraudulent Counseling Centers Put Pregnant Women at Risk. [online] 2004.
5. Preventing Unintended Pregnancy: The Need and the Means. 2003. The Guttmacher Report. [online]

Male Condom

The male condom is one of the most popular and arguably the least complex methods of contraception. It is a barrier method that consists of a sheath-shaped device used to cover the male’s reproductive organ which blocks sperm during ejaculation. Condoms are usually made from latex or other synthetic materials and may contain spermicide. It offers protection from STIs as well and can be effective due to the low cost and ease of use (Insel and Roth 125).

Oral Birth Control Pill

Oral birth control is a medication, in the form of a pill, that is taken orally by females. It releases hormones such as estrogen and progesterone that affect ovulation, menstruation, and the activity of the corpus luteum. If taken properly, on a regular basis, the pill can be effective in preventing pregnancies. However, it does not protect against STIs on physical contact and may cause a wide variety of unpleasant side effects (Insel and Roth 119).

Intrauterine Device (IUD)

This method consists of placing a small device inside the female uterus as a tool of long-term birth control. Depending on the device, it releases either progestin or chopper that influences the biochemical composition of the uterus. This leads to the prevention of fertilization and interferes with the movement of sperm and effects. IUDs are usually more expensive and require a medical professional (Insel and Roth 124).

Contraceptive Implants

An implant is placed under the skin, in the upper arm area which secretes regular small doses of progestin or synthetic progesterone. These affect menstruation and fertilization, preventing pregnancy. An implant is rather effective, with low failure rates, and does not require further action after insertion, lasting up to three years. The only downside is the lack of protection from STIs and potential side effects due to hormonal changes (Insel and Roth 123).

Diaphragm with Spermicide

This is a dome-shaped cup made of latex or silicone that is stretched over a collapsible metal ring. The diaphragm is carefully fitted by a clinician to be inserted in order to cover the cervix. For most effectiveness, it should be used in combination with spermicide. A woman should insert the diaphragm before intercourse and leave it in up to 6 hours afterward to ensure that spermicide eliminates any sperm (Insel and Roth 126).

Work Cited

Insel, Paul M., and Walton T. Roth. Connect Core Concepts in Health, Brief. 15th ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2016.

Teen pregnancy has been escalating since the 1970s and this has been mostly attributed to the lifestyle of the teenagers and their ambitions of being grown up. The lax attention given to children as well as the increase in the independence of the teenagers nowadays has made them more vulnerable to issues like teen pregnancy. However the rate of growth for teen pregnancies has decreased in the past few years. This has mainly been attributed to the birth control practices and the decrease in sexual activity in teenagers. The African Americans have shown the highest rate of decrease, about 42 percent related to teen pregnancies.

Despite the change in the statistics and the growth of the teenage pregnancies in the region, the biggest issue that is faced by teenagers remains teen pregnancy. This is mostly due to the out of wed lock births for teens which is threatening to cripple the nation in the long run. Approximately every year about one million of American teens become pregnant. Aside form this cost of the teenage pregnancy is also quite steep. The teenagers at their age do not earn much and are usually supported by their parents. However a teenage pregnancy brings problems in the form of restricted opportunities available for education in the future, constraint financial standing as well as increased anxiety and frustrations amongst the teens. The teen pregnancy is also closely related to the increase of lost tax revenues, increased spending n public assistance as well as money spent for foster care and the criminal justice system. Juvenile crimes also increase as teen [parents strive to support their children. However the most important affect of a teen pregnancy is that it tends to rob the teens of their childhood, forcing them to grow up. This can have complications in the future life of these teens when they are dealing with children themselves.

The paper actually discusses the importance of birth control prevention programs and education of prevention for teenagers and how it can actually help them in avoiding teen pregnancy altogether. This is because, due to the analysis of the information and statistics available on teen pregnancy it was identified that the main reason that can be seen which can improve the situation for teen pregnancy in the region is educating the children about prevention of pregnancies and the use of contraceptives. The following paper is focused on the aspect of teen pregnancy and how education for the teenagers can reduce the risk of young pregnancy for them.

The rationale for this position is mostly based on the fact that teen pregnancy tends to create more complex problems in the future pertaining to the education and literacy rate of the population, the increase in the crime rate and the moral ethicality of the population as a whole. Moreover the reason as to why the teenage pregnancy is apparent in the society is due to the stance taken by the media and the entertainment industry about sexual activity. It is depicted to be promising by the media and with certain programs directly targeted at the teens. These teens that are already anxious, going through puberty and feeling resentment and frustrations towards their friends and family tend to avoid interacting with them and listen to their advice. As a result there is a high risk for them to go ahead and conduct acts of impulse which can result in teenage pregnancies. Moreover the responsibility taken by teens for the teenage pregnancy is also very low which results in usually two options for the female, to either carry the baby to full term and or ton get an abortion.

However, now with the use of contraceptives it is possible for the teens to avoid pregnancy altogether. As a result the students in schools as well as the teens at home need to be educated about the use and the importance of contraceptive and other preventions methods. Such programs can be initiated by many parties, the schools can start these programs to reduce the teen pregnancy rate for their students and promote a healthier life. The communities on the other hand can initiate awareness and prevention programs for the youth targeting them and proving facilities for the teens that are currently pregnant in the society. The government can also initiate social welfare and specific prevention and sex education to teenagers all over the state and the country. This will put a strong stress on the issue and the solutions for addressing the problems will be uncovered through group discussions.

Aside from this the parents can also play a major role in educating their children about prevention. This can be done by openly discussing the topics with the children and inviting any inquiries and questions that may have. Mover the parents would also need to provide justifications for the reasons as to why contraceptives and safe sex should be employed, and for this they should have specific prevention education material which they can provide to their children. In this manner it would be possible for the community as well as tall those interacting with the teenagers to help reduce the rate of teenage pregnancy by providing them specific education pertaining to the use of contraceptives and other prevention methods.

A study by Goldwin & Katz in 2002 pertained to the power of the pill and other oral contraceptives as a main contributor in the decision made by females for their careers and their marriages. The study conducted a “descriptive time series and formal econometric evidence that exploit cross-state and cross-cohort variation in pill availability to young, unmarried women, establishing the “power of the pill” in lowering the costs of long-duration professional education for women and raising the age at first marriage” (Goldwin & Katz, 2002). The oral contraceptive was passed by the FDA in the 60s however the popularity of the pill was established in the 1970s with the independent lifestyle enjoy by the people and especially the teenagers. As mentioned earlier this study conducted a time series analysis as well as an econometric analysis as to how the oral contraceptive and has contributed and effected the choice of the careers and, marriages decision for the females. The time series analysis provided that the number of high school teenagers going on to take college degrees and bachelors increased with the use of the pill. These college entrants also started taking complex courses and degrees like medicine, law, business and hospitality. “The percentage of all lawyers and judges who are women more than doubled in the 1970s (from 5.1 percent in 1970 to 13.6 percent in 1980) and was 29.7 percent in 2000. The share of female physicians increased from 9.1 percent in 1970 to 14.1 percent in 1980 and was 27.9 percent in 2000.” (Goldwin & Katz, 2002) Aside form this the age at first marriage also increased. The econometric analysis showed that the economic activity in the country increased and the contribution of the female population to the economic growth in the region also increased after the 1960s as compared to the time prior to the introduction of oral contraceptives.

Another study by Angeles, Guilkey, & Mroz in 2005 focused o the effects of education and family planning programs on the Indonesian women. This study was able to research on the family developmental outcomes and the schooling of the children. This depicted that a strong relation was present between the education of the mother and the benefits that are available to her children. They study concluded that “programs to increase women’s educational attainments might be the most effective way to stimulate reductions in fertility and improve children’s lives in developing countries. The presence of family planning programs in a young woman’s village when she is making her school attendance decisions increases substantially her educational attainment.” (Angeles, Guilkey, & Mroz, 2005) Although this study was not relevant to the population of America however the issue being targeted was the same as in that which is currently present in the United States and as a result the conclusion of this study can be taken onto account.

There is also evidence present through these studies that the current sex education and pregnancy prevention education programs are a main factor contributing to the increase in the sexual activity and the awareness amongst the children, however they are not completely successful in abating teenage pregnancy. For this formal prevention programs as stated above need to be established. Moreover the media also has to be monitored as in t2003 it was recorded that the tope 20 programs ruining on the TV focused on the teenagers had sexual intercourse depicted while 80% of them favored sexual activity in the teenagers. Therefore it is important to restrict the viewer ship of such programs and such content by the underage teens specially those who are 15years or younger. Moreover the family should also provide the basics of a prevention education by establishing that sexual activity should be abstained form until the child goes on to get married or has completed his/ her college education in the least.

The position against active sexual activity amongst tends and the establishment of sex education and prevention programs is also indirectly important for the healthcare professionals. This is because these are the people who can provide the teenagers and their parents on realistic and most effective advice on the matter. They can provide the teenagers with methods of prevention and motivation for abstinence in the short term as well. Aside from this the health care professionals themselves can start education programs in hospitals and shelter homes where those teenagers who are under privileged and do not have access to prevention education can be educated about the use of contraceptives and the benefits of abstaining form sexual activity until a later date. They can also inform the audience about the criticalities of a teenage pregnancy and as well as the health risks for both the mother and the child associated with it. These professional bear a credible influence on these audience and can effectively motivate them to change their lifestyle.

All in all the bottom line for this paper is that sex education and prevention based programs can support the fight against teenage pregnancy however the best solution for tacking the issue of teenage pregnancy is to abstain form sexual activity until the child has graduated with a college degree or has decided to get married.

References

(2007), Pregnancy-prevention program turns uninformed boys into ‘Wise Guys.’, AHA News, Vol. 43 Issue 2, p7-7.

Angeles, G., Guilkey, D., Mroz, T., (2005), The Effects of Education and Family Planning Programs on Fertility in Indonesia, Economic Development & Cultural Change, , Vol. 54 Issue 1, p165-201.

Dryfoos, J., (1985), A Time for New Thinking about Teenage Pregnancy, American Journal of Public Health, Vol. 75 Issue 1, p13-14.

Goldin, C., Katz, L., (2002), The Power of the Pill: Oral Contraceptives and Women’s Career and Marriage Decisions, Journal of Political Economy, , Vol. 110 Issue 4, p730-770.

Pezzini, S., (2005), The Effect of Women’s Rights on Women’s Welfare: Evidence from a Natural Experiment, Economic Journal, , Vol. 115 Issue 502, p208-C227.

Sember, R., Kropf, A., Mauro, D., (2006), Images Against Teen Pregnancy.

Authors, American Journal of Public Health, Vol. 96 Issue 9, p1561-1561.

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 19^th 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.

Studying sexuality can be dated back to Plato’s Symposium, where the origins of gender and desire were discussed. However, the modern western study of sexuality as a formal intellectual discipline begins with the sexologists in the late nineteenth century.

The modernists said that sexual experience was not in any way affecting the moral character (Ellis, Kinsey, Masters & Johnson, 1976). Instead, modernists viewed sexual experience in a positive light when properly managed.

Why Studying Human Sexuality Is Important

The challenge of such research has most likely been a reason to avoid it. However, I view the challenge as even more of a reason to pursue it. There is no superior place for the study of education than in an institution of education. The research can only benefit itself in educating its members, in addition to the wider community.

According to Priscilla Pardini who is a re-known scholar in this field of the study states that:

”It is can be viewed as a selfish study in the way that an educational institution is studying the methods of education “ (Pardini 1998).

However, it can also be considered altruistic in its aims of helping others shape a full sexual life and understand its positive effects. In understanding individual sexual development and finding personal identity, and discovering different lifestyles.

It is also a topic that all humans can relate to, and are emotional and often spiritually involved with. Therefore if one can educate the community in this faculty, what is learned will then easily carry over to perspectives held in other faculties.

“With sexuality education having this powerful effect, it would be an excellent choice for further research “(Crasnow 2001).

Another thing that why studying human sexuality is important is that Contraception is an extremely vast topic however little it does not need much research. It is at times called birth control, contraception is different ways in which one can enjoy a sexual relationship without getting pregnant. The barrier methods stop sperm from being transferred to the uterus. Condoms and Intrauterine devices are examples of barrier methods.

By studying human sexuality one can know about the Chemical methods that are utilized to prevent pregnancy. The most frequently used is a pill; surgical sterilization along with natural family planning is also a common method of birth control which is known by studying human sexuality. Surgical sterilization is extremely popular in old aged

The only way not to get pregnant is not to have sex, however, If used properly the current ways of contraception can prevent an individual from getting pregnant.

Criticism of the Subject Matter

The most evident problem with birth control would be the effects of synthetic hormones on a woman’s body. By using birth control A woman experiences a lot of bodily changes like weight gain, blood clots, mood swings, severe headaches, bloating, dizziness, etc (Tivnan 1995). The problems with other forms of birth control such as the diaphragm, cervical cap, and female condoms could be the improper placement of the item or a reaction to the materials it is comprised of.

Don Marquis, a professor at Kansas university of philosophy takes a moderate-conservative view, he subtly states that:

” The use of contraceptive is a type of abortion before pregnancy.” (Benevac 1992)

The article by Margaret Sanger (2005), a nurse, birth control activist, and lecturer states that The Comstock Law of 1873 prohibited the distribution of information and contraception devices to women. Ms. Sanger began to illegally distribute information and methods of contraception to women. Obtaining a second factual statement in Ms. Sanger’s article impossible proved to be unfeasible. Although the article made extremely strong points regarding a woman’s right to choose a method of birth control, the article was predominately the opinions of Ms. Sanger.

Even the catholic church criticizes the use of contraception, Pope Benedict XVI: believes that the divine purpose of sex i.e. giving life is eradicated if contraceptive methods will be used.

Many religious and industry leaders embraced this statement, and fail to recognize the suffrage caused by overpopulation. Religiously people argue that it is wrong to exercise birth control and that it goes against what the Bible teaches. In the eyes, many people view abortion as a form of birth control. Perhaps due to abortion so many people are against controlling population control. But, in the means of trying to educate underdeveloped countries abortion would not be finically possible.

There are also some religions that do not allow the use of contraception. Muslims, for example, are not permitted to have premarital sex, and even when the time has come, sexual intercourse with contraception is prohibited. Christians also believe that contraception is extremely wrong. It is not much even science can do when it comes to breaking peoples’ believe and telling them that their religion is wrong. Christians or Muslims who have strong faith in their religion would not agree to this and try their level best to wipe out all the research regarding contraception

Paul Murray (2005) a professor of spiritual theology at the Angelicum University discusses a “holistic approach” to birth control. Mr. Murray uses excerpts from “Humanae Vitae” written by Pope Paul VI in 1968 to use as a backup for his statements. He and his wife use a method much like the rhythm method, in which they refrain from having sex during her fertile period. He states that individuals do not cease to mature beyond childhood. Mr. Murray also states that the number of sexual partners per American has increased significantly. He was not completely against birth control, just the use of artificial hormones. He did discuss the method he and his wife use as birth control. basically, they are not sexually active during the period in which she is fertile. I do not fully agree with his use of the religious article, “Humanae vitae”, to back up his point of view. However, I did find it very informative with respect to the Vatican’s stance on birth control.

Conclusion

The topic of human sexuality and contraception plays great importance in the lives of people; many scholars have studied have presented their views. The fact that this field of study is very vast it cannot be limited to one field. Every scholar of liberal arts realizes its importance.

Criticism is given on every topic that does not in any way reduce the importance of the field of study. Some go for contraception; there is much criticism on the topic however it not reduce its importance.

Different types of contraception were invented in order to prevent a lot of pregnancies that are not wanted this may reduce the rates of abortion. By stating that any type of contraceptive is prima facie ethically immoral, we are defeating our purpose against abortion.

References

Benevac, D (1992). Today’s Moral Issues: Classic and Contemporary Perspectives. Indianapolis: Mayfield Publication Company.

Crasnow, S, L. (2001); Models and reality: When science tackles sex. Hypatia, 16, 138-150.

Ellis, H., Kinsey, A., Masters, W. & Johnson, V. (1976); The Modernization of Sex. NY: Harper and Row.

Pardini, P. (1998); The History of Sexuality Education. Rethinking Schools: an urban education resource, 12, 4-11.

Paul Murray (2005); The Purpose of Sex Is Reproduction. Excerpted from Paul Murray, “The Power of ‘Humanae Vitae,’” Brenda Stalcup, Ed. Greenhaven Press.

Sanger, Margaret (1920) Women’s Right to Birth Control. Excerpted from Margaret Sanger (2005); Woman and the New Race,..Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomson Gale.

Tivnan, E (1995). The Moral Imagination: Confronting the Ethical Issues of Our Day. New York: Simon & Schuster.