It's no secret that women are using birth control to protect themselves against pregnancy and STIs. So why should we act like it is?
1. To end the stigma
Sex is widely considered to be a taboo topic of conversation, but by breaking down some of these social norms we can work to dismantle the stigma and educate men and women about healthy sexual practices.
2. To educate women about their options
Many women who are looking to start birth control assume that they only have one option; the pill. And while the hormonal birth control pill remains to be an effective form of birth control, there are far more options available; such as IUDs, Vaginal Rings, Male and Female Condoms, and many more.
3. To teach women how to take charge of their fertility
By engaging in conversations about birth control with the women around us, we show women that they are in charge of their fertility, and that there are many tools available to help them gain control of their sex lives.
4. To rid ourselves of "abstinence only" practices and embrace safe sex
Despite forward progress within sexual health education, abstinence is still one of the most widely taught methods of birth control, despite being down right outdated. When we spread knowledge about alternative forms of birth control we can teach young people how to practice safe sex to reduce the risk of pregnancy and disease.
5. To embrace female sexualities
While the male sexuality has been accepted and praised in our society, the female sexuality is overwhelmingly overlooked. It is seen to be either non-existent or grounds for slut-shaming and other means of oppression. By talking about birth control we also encourage women to talk about their sexualities and how they derive pleasure from sex, in a manner that both empowers femininity and dismantles the masculine hegemony.
6. To understand how different methods of birth control work
Many women are shockingly uneducated about how their method of birth control operates within their body, what it is protecting them against, and how it should be used. Without this vital information, it is impossible for women to have an active part in their use of birth control, thus further disadvantaging them.
7. To shed light on why LGBT couples still need birth control
In many sexual health education practices, LGBT sex and birth control is overlooked. Given how common curriculum is geared towards preventing pregnancy, LGBT youth are often left uneducated about what they need to be protecting themselves against, including STIs.
8. To engage women in feminist health politics
With the attacks on abortion laws, Planned Parenthood, and access to birth control, it is more important than ever to draw attention towards the rights of women in healthcare. Through conversations about birth control and safe sex we can further evaluate the current political climate and encourage women to take an active role within feminist health issues.
9. To make women feel more comfortable in their bodies
Opening up healthy conversations about sex also give women the opportunity to learn more about their bodies and allows them to feel more comfortable with their sex organs and reproductive systems.
10. To empower women and their right to a choice
Women are often erased from depictions of sex and sexuality, leaving them without an understanding of their choices and methods of protection. Through conversation and education we give women the chance to acknowledge and accept themselves and their sexual expressions without fear of judgement, shame, or guilt.