If one were to question many young women about what attracted them to feminism, they would point toward reproductive justice. A movement launched at its grassroots level in 1994, it was all about infusing social justice, pro-choice, and human rights.
This means a woman has had the freedom to select her preferred means of family planning. Given the popularity of the pill, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and condoms, these contraceptives have become characteristic of the concept of ‘planned parenthood.’
In 2023, it was found that 59% of women using birth control relied on these modern methods. However, therein exists a separate group critical of the choice of contraception. From a holistic standpoint, reproductive justice must not interfere with a woman’s physical, emotional, or sexual well-being.
In this article, we will explore both sides of birth control to understand the true essence of reproductive justice.
Is Modern Contraception Hurting Women?
In the early months of 2024, renowned news outlets began publishing on how young women were getting off of modern birth control amid ‘misleading information.’ The Conversation sparked interest and debates, discussing wellness influencers across Instagram and TikTok exaggerating the risks of contraceptives.
Were these influencers healthcare professionals? No, they were largely speaking based on personal experiences and the pursuit of holistic health. Does this mean their views were merely an impression of authenticity? That’s unlikely since many have experienced the ill effects of modern birth control first-hand.
Let’s take an example that has even made its way into the Federal courts. An intrauterine device by the name of Paragard IUD has received much criticism. Its manufacturers, Teva Pharmaceuticals and CooperSurgical claimed that Paragard could prevent pregnancy up to 10 years when implanted into the cervical canal.
Though its efficacy has remained unchallenged, the same cannot be said of safety. As per TorHoerman Law, structural defects in the device led to injuries like pelvic inflammatory disease, menstrual pain, ectopic pregnancy, and miscarriage. Parts of the Paragard IUD broke apart and migrated to different areas of the body.
This also led to organ perforation and severe pain. In light of all this, especially the fact that the manufacturers were aware of the risks, the Paragard lawsuit makes perfect sense. As women stand up for justice, it begs the question of whether ‘wellness equity’ has been sacrificed for the sake of revenue.
Similarly, hormonal birth control pills and condoms carry certain risks of side effects, one of which is breast cancer. Even mood swings and depression may be closely linked to birth control pills. It is true that personal advice, no matter how heartfelt, cannot substitute for professional consultations.
Nonetheless, we cannot establish reproductive justice until young women are allowed to see the complete picture. Modern birth control has and does impact a woman’s health adversely.
From Rockets to Women’s Health: What Elon Musk Had to Say
The co-founder of PayPal and early funder of Tesla, Elon Musk, has had some grating comments to make about hormonal birth control. As the tech connoisseur redirected his focus from Neuralink interfaces to women’s wellness, he cited a 2017 study conducted in Denmark.
The post was ‘strongly worded’ and conclusive, drawing 42 million views and over 15,000 comments. It discussed how hormonal birth control pills increased the risk of weight gain, depression, and even suicide. The comments were divisive, to say the least.
What was interesting was the fact that a growing number of women were in favor of the idea of natural and holistic contraception. Experts consider Musk’s post to be too rigid since birth control is complicated and cannot be single-faceted.
Even if we were to dismiss Musk’s comments in light of his lack of professional background in healthcare, his post was thought-provoking. Why would toxic chemicals and unnatural methods be favored instead of natural ones? Most importantly, it makes us wonder about who stands to benefit when women remain unconscious about what they put into their bodies.
Turning to Natural Family Planning Methods
Since 2023, a movement of sorts has started where women are quitting birth control for good. Some are ditching the hormonal options in favor of non-hormonal ones. Others are simply turning towards natural family planning methods. Let’s look at some of the latter options.
Diaphragms
This is based on a barrier method of family planning or birth control in which a latex or silicone cup is placed over the cervix. It is supposed to keep the sperm from entering the uterus. The most effective results are achieved when a diaphragm is used along with a spermicide or cream gel that can kill sperm.
It is estimated that a diaphragm may be at least 92% effective when used correctly. This means of birth control is completely safe unless a woman has an allergy to silicone.
Basal Body Temperature Charting (BBT)
This is a method that relies on fertility awareness to prevent pregnancy. The Mayo Clinic states that a woman’s basal body temperature may rise slightly during the ovulation period. Basal body temperature refers to one’s temperature in total mode of rest.
Fertility levels are highest around two to three days before a rise in basal body temperature. A woman may have to take her body temperature every morning to predict her ovulation period. She can avoid participating in unprotected sexual intercourse during the most fertile days.
There are no side effects to this method and when done in combination with cervical mucus tracking, can prevent pregnancy effectively.
As discussed in this article, natural or holistic methods of preventing pregnancy must be explored. Whether women should practice reproductive justice conventionally is beyond the scope of our discussion.
One thing is certain every woman has the right to know all her options, especially those that will not harm her in any way. Being critical of contraception is not the aim; being critical of insular views is the need of the hour.
