
Amanda Reza
Since the invention of the pill in 1951, its usage has been a public controversial dispute between women’s rights, politics and medicine. Common reasons individuals pursue this option include preventing pregnancy, regulating periods and health benefits. However, since its creation, over 1,000 lawsuits have been filed against different manufacturers of birth control due to complications of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes caused.
In order to fully realize the extent of the controversy, it is important to understand what birth control pills are. Despite the myth that the pills are artificial chemicals, the pills are made of hormones already naturally produced in our bodies. Taking these pills allows women to have a healthy level of hormones to prevent pregnancy.
Some people think that interfering with potential conception is “playing God.” Yes, birth control does work by altering biological functions. It prevents the egg cells from leaving the ovaries, thus preventing pregnancy. But it is widely used for purposes other than sexual intercourse. Like many treatments used to minimize symptoms or pain, birth control is used to mitigate women’s health. In 1957, the FDA approved the birth control pill as a treatment for severe menstrual disorders before it was widely used as a contraceptive. So does an alternative to keep someone safe or usage as medical treatment defy religion?
In addition to extreme menstrual cycles, there are many reasons to take the pill. According to Planned Parenthood, more than 6 out of 10 women use it to treat conditions such as endometriosis, regulating their cycle or reducing the risk of ovarian cancer. It reduces pain induced by cramps that cause lighter periods and offers protection against pelvic inflammatory disease. Other benefits range from assisting with acne, iron deficiency, headaches and even depression.
While the pill may be a solution offered to many individuals, it is not guaranteed to be magical. There is a possibility for side effects such as bleeding between periods, nausea and vomiting. These consequences usually clear up after two or three months. Fatal situations are rare, but this risk tends to be greater for individuals that have blood clotting disorders, diabetes or high blood pressure. This should not discourage women from seeking help for alleviating menstrual symptoms, but it is important to acknowledge, like any medicine, unwanted side effects can happen.
Birth control falls under the “pink tax” — an extra amount women are charged for certain products or services. This product can cost anywhere from $0 to $50 a month, according to Planned Parenthood. As it can be a necessity for some women to adequately function at certain times, some employers offer coverage of this expense. However, not all companies agree to do so, which has led to a public conflict of interest. An example of this is the Hobby Lobby Case of June 2013, which ruled in favor by the Supreme Court to let a company withhold coverage due to religious rights — the reason being that taking the pill should not be enforced by a company, but instead between an individual and their doctor. And health insurance should provide the pill for women to allow them to maintain a functional well-being.
Even though women may have different reasons for taking birth control, it should be accessible to treat symptoms, protect bodies and help women function.
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