Are you afraid to share, retweet or “like” this blog? If so, you’re not alone.
Many people are unwilling to publicly show their support for the use of birth control. Perhaps they want to keep it a private matter. Maybe they’re not having sex or don’t believe in birth control for their own use. Or they might think people will judge them for talking about it.
The reality is that birth control – as well as a lack of knowledge of, conversation about and use of it – concerns all of us. If you can answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you have an important stake in the contraception conversation:
- Are you having sex or do you plan to?
- Is someone you care about (specifically your child) having sex?
- Do you care what your tax money is used for?
- Do you want to cut down on the number of abortions performed in the U.S.?
- Do you want to lessen the financial burden sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) place on our healthcare system?
Safe sex is a vital part of the health of our nation.
As we have shown in this blog, unintended pregnancy takes a multibillion-dollar financial toll on the entire nation. In 2000, STDs carried an economic burden of $6.5 billion dollars in the United States, according to the Guttmacher Institute. That’s billion with a “b.”
In addition, there is the emotional cost to teens and adults who have contraception questions that are going unanswered. These unanswered questions have serious consequences: unplanned pregnancy, abortion, adoption and STDs that range from treatable to deadly.
I challenge you to not be afraid. I challenge you to take responsibility for what you can do to prevent these fates for you, your loved ones and your fellow Americans.
I will start the conversation, and I hope you join me. How can I help you better utilize contraceptives for your own safety? How can you initiate conversations with loved ones who might need help or information? What questions do you have about the best birth control for you?
