By Noelia Almanzar, Alliance Intern from Rutgers University ‘26
Contraception is more than just birth control — it’s a vital tool for promoting health, gender and equality. September 26 celebrates World Contraception Day, which is dedicated to educating the public on contraceptives and helping them make informed decisions on their sexual and reproductive health. It’s especially important given the current political climate where fear over autonomy and reproductive health has been at the forefront of this year’s political debates.
Contraceptives are essential in securing a person’s rights and future goals. Attacks on reproductive health and efforts to restrict access to contraceptives have increased following the fall of Roe v Wade. Now, 12 states allow some healthcare providers to refuse to provide services related to contraception, according to the Guttmacher Institute. With our fundamental rights to bodily autonomy at risk, education and advocacy are necessary to support the overall health of the nation.
What are Contraceptives?
Contraception is the act of preventing pregnancy. This could be in the form of a device, a medication, a procedure or a behavior, according to the National Library of Medicine. It includes a variety of methods such as birth control pills, IUDs, condoms, implants and emergency contraceptives. Contraceptives allow individuals to take control of their reproductive health, enabling them to make their own decisions about their bodies.
The Role and Benefits of Contraceptives
Contraceptives have been around for hundreds of years, even predating modern medicine. In the 19th century, cervical caps and condoms, often made from linen, fish intestines or half a lemon rind, were used to prevent pregnancy. Who would have thought these were not as effective as the modern-day pill?
Today, the benefits of birth control are far-reaching, from reducing acne to alleviating menstrual cramps. They provide a medically proven way to improve people’s quality of life and allow them to make important decisions regarding their future.
While one could argue their main use is to prevent unwanted pregnancies, they are also crucial in preventing sexually transmitted diseases or infections. The World Health Organization reported that, in 2020, 374 million new STI infections occurred globally among adults aged 15-49, most of which could have been prevented with the use of condoms.
For many individuals, hormonal birth control methods manage hormonal imbalances within the body. If left untreated, these imbalances can lead to a variety of health issues, including Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis, and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). These can be life-altering without treatment, which is why it’s essential to provide access to these medications to prevent permanent damage to reproductive organs.
If contraceptives were limited, the number of people affected by STIs or reproductive issues would be even greater, harming millions of more individuals. This is why it is so important to raise awareness and allow equitable access to birth control methods to protect our health. The CDC puts it best when they say contraceptive services should be offered in a non-coercive manner that supports a person’s values, goals and reproductive autonomy.
Political Barriers to Reproductive Health
On May 21, 2024, the Senate introduced the Right to Contraception Act that would protect a person’s right to get and use contraceptives and prohibit federal and state governments from restricting their sale. However, the bill was denied a vote based on a procedural filibuster. This means that legislators are threatening or already taking the next steps to restrict access to contraceptives, such as birth control pills and IUDs, in addition to restricting abortions and IVF.
In all honesty, I am outraged by the federal failure to support essential reproductive health medicines and contraceptives. With an estimated 70% of those with the ovarian phenotype experiencing some sort of reproductive disorder, access to these critical services is more important than ever, says the National Library of Medicine. I find it deeply troubling that the people in power (straight, white men) are still taking control over the decisions and health of the public based on their own skewed agendas.
This setback is part of a broader struggle over reproductive rights, which has significantly impacted those who rely on birth control and other preventative measures. Along with the repeal of Roe v Wade, the war on reproductive rights and bodily autonomy has only intensified. The lack of federal protection means that access to contraception can vary widely depending on state laws and policies.
This is extremely frightening to me as I and millions rely on contraceptives for a myriad of personal reasons — reasons that should not be decided by others. This situation underscores a pressing need for comprehensive federal protections, ensuring equitable access to contraceptive services for everyone regardless of where they live. With the election approaching, I encourage you to find out the positions of your Presidential and Congressional candidates on contraception, speak out and vote to protect and preserve access to birth control.
Stigmas and Misconceptions about Contraceptives
Despite the numerous benefits of contraceptives, there are many misconceptions surrounding their use. According to KFF.org, up to 73% of people mistakenly believe that emergency contraceptives and IUDs cause abortions, thinking they end a pregnancy after it has begun.
In reality, these methods work primarily by inhibiting ovulation or making it difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg, not by terminating a pregnancy. This fundamental misunderstanding can lead to unnecessary fear and resistance toward the use of contraception.
The stigmas associated with contraceptives go much deeper than their role in preventing pregnancies. Many fear negative impacts on fertility, libido, and side effects that indirectly affect sexuality or weight gain, according to ScienceDirect.
While it’s true that some people experience side effects, these are generally mild and temporary. Research shows that fertility will return shortly after the use of birth control. People should talk to their healthcare providers about the potential risks and side effects.
Misconceptions and More Intentionally Leading to Loss of Autonomy
Some misconceptions stem from sexist ideologies that keep patriarchal systems in place. Instead of allowing people to benefit from autonomy over their bodies and the often medically necessary use of contraceptives, those in power have drowned out the voices of those who need these services the most.
In this case, education is key to combating stigmas. By providing accurate information and addressing concerns openly, we can help individuals make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
The Right to Contraceptives and Resources
Contraceptives are vital tools for promoting health, gender equality and stability. By dispelling myths, providing accurate information and advocating for access, we can support individuals in making informed choices about their reproductive health.
While access to contraceptives and testing varies, there are places such as the Red Door Clinic in Minnesota that can provide sexual health care for all. To find a similar place in your area, visit local health department websites or use resources like the HHS Population of Affairs to locate nearby clinics. It is also possible to get birth control mailed directly to your home with clinics such as Planned Parenthood.
On World Contraception Day, let’s empower everyone with the knowledge and resources to take control of their reproductive futures.