Free Contraception: The Answer To Overpopulation Or The Cause Of Promiscuity?

[TeenHelp]

Free Contraception: The Answer To Overpopulation Or The Cause Of Promiscuity?
By Mollie Jose (guest author)

Free birth control pills were made possible in the USA by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) way back 2012. This mandate has promoted women empowerment. In another positive perspective, the cost-free contraception has given women the chance to choose when to get pregnant. This freedom, furthermore, will help slow down the population growth.

Although the intention of this provision is good, critics pointed out that the free birth control pills encourage promiscuity (or people having several sexual partners). This raises the question about the real impact of free contraception: does it solve the population problem or derail moral values?

Free Contraception And Overpopulation

Why has the government thought that it is necessary to control the country’s population growth? Well, it all started when the U.S. finally felt the burden of carrying too many people. As the human population goes up, carbon emissions and waste production increased. These, after some time, became the factors that led to the issues of climate change.

Climate change (denial from some politicians aside) is evident today. Destructive hurricanes, extreme heat, and the surprisingly unpredictable weather experienced by countries worldwide are signs that our Earth is already suffering from the effects of congestion, neglect, and overuse.

Because of those factors, the government points to fertility as something that needs to be controlled. After all, if the population growth slows down, then the emissions and waste disposal will follow suit. Slowing the progress of the latter might help fight climate change.

Free Contraception And Unwanted Pregnancies

While contraceptives restrain the population growth, there is another concern that rises. Teenagers and young adults are prone to unwanted pregnancies. Such age groups are more sexually active. Unarmed with contraceptives, their deeds bear fruits. While some of these young women will choose to let the life in their bellies live despite not planning for it, several others will opt for an abortion.

Free contraception seeks to provide women protection against unwanted pregnancies. That way, they won’t have to make difficult life choices. With the availability of free birth control methods, women can choose not to get pregnant whenever they are not yet ready.

Free Contraception And Promiscuity

As birth controls are given for free, some critics thought that the mandate promotes promiscuity among adolescents. Moreover, this alleged possibility might also increase the incidence of sexually-transmitted diseases (usually caused by having multiple sex partners).

While the said allegations may hold water, research findings say otherwise. According to a 2014 study by the Contraceptive Choice Project, providing free birth control pills to women (ages 14-45) did not result in any rise in the number of their partners and frequency of sex. Furthermore, the availability of free contraception has helped reduce unwanted pregnancies, abortions, and sexually transmitted disease among the subjects.

Birth Control Promotion

Despite the never-ending debate on the ACA, the promotion of birth control is still going on in many parts of the U.S. One example of such efforts is the “Be Your Own Baby” project launched in Delaware. This program aims to prevent unwanted pregnancy by helping women, both insured and uninsured, gain access to free birth control.

The project, which started in May, resulted in the increased number of women seeking for the free birth control provided by the state. This is a welcoming news as Delaware has one of the highest rates of unplanned pregnancies in the United States.

Free Birth Control No More?

Concerned parties including women’s movements have clashing opinions on the current U.S. President’s take on ACA. Repealing the previous administration’s health care act may result in birth control pills being not free anymore. If dismantled, women may not enjoy the following benefits:

• Free birth control pills (as long as patient is covered by health insurance plans or government programs)
• Visits to the doctor (covered by most insurance plans as cited in the ACA)
• Coverage of certain brands of pills

At present, the cost of birth control pills reaches as much as $50.

Family Planning

With or without the free birth control provision, it is important for every couple to work out a plan when it comes to the number of children they want to raise. This arrangement does not only have the potential to slow down population growth, but it also helps establish a well-rounded family. Communication between partners is key to make the birth plan work effectively.

It’s also important for parents to educate their children regarding birth control and family planning once they come of age. This way, the values will be passed on to the next generation, promoting a healthy family life now and in the years to come. Of course, if birth control remains free, it will be much easier in planning a family.