Contraception has been an important part of human lives since ancient times. In previous centuries, people used various methods to prevent unwanted pregnancies, such as using certain herbs, withdrawal, or even primitive condoms. With the advancement of science and technology, contraception has become more effective and widely available than ever before. Despite the benefits of using contraception, it remains a controversial and perhaps even secretive topic for many people. In this article, we will explore the secrecy surrounding contraception, the reasons for it, and its potential consequences.
Ireland’s complicated and problematic relationship with sex and family planning has been a topic of concern for many years. The recent launch of a free contraception scheme for women aged 17-25 was a positive step towards ensuring access to birth control during reproductive years. Women can now access a doctor to discuss contraception options and receive repeat prescriptions free of charge at participating pharmacies. Additionally, the scheme covers fittings and removals of implants, IUDs, or IUSs, check-ups, follow-up care, and emergency contraception.
Despite the positive move, barriers still exist for women in accessing contraception due to the traditional beliefs and attitudes that remain embedded in society and culture. These attitudes perpetuate the stigma surrounding reproductive health and serve to limit access to contraception. Karen Sugrue, a psychotherapist and sociology lecturer in TUS Limerick, notes that “contraceptives are about choice and bodily autonomy for women and people who can get pregnant and unfortunately these have always been and continue to be profoundly contested terrains. They go to the heart of defying, disobeying, and disrupting patriarchy because contraceptives empower people to choose the kinds of life they want to lead and how they wish to express their sexuality.”
The stereotyping of expectations and the social significance of responsibility continue to emphasize the behavior of “good women,” which suggests that the use of contraception suggests promiscuity and irresponsibility. This stigma can hinder a person’s sexual and reproductive health with women appearing to face an increased stigma, fear of judgment, and anxiety in this instance. “There are still a lot of old sexist tropes and narratives about women who are sexually empowered, and that includes carrying condoms,” says Sugrue. “Phrases like the ‘walk of shame’ are still used to describe women – but not men – walking home the morning after a sexual encounter, and there is still a strong social expectation that women would have fewer sexual partners than men.
The health and social impacts of contraception and choice are among the world’s greatest public health achievements but are often marred by complicated shame and labeling of those who use contraception to experience their sexuality. It is essential to find a contraceptive option that works for an individual and not having to justify their actions or choices. Dr Ahmeda Ali, GP with webdoctor.ie, points out that the barriers to contraceptive access and long-lasting reversible contraception (Larc) uptake can include a lack of awareness of contraceptive options, regional disparities in the quality and availability of services, stigma and lack of confidentiality, and lack of provider training in Larc insertion methods. Additionally, the cost burden of contraception falls on women more than men, and the impact of an unintended pregnancy, whether it is continued or not, is significantly harder on women. To remove the cost barrier of access and choice of contraceptives, State funding is necessary.
With the fall of Roe v Wade in the US, access to contraceptives can be a life or death issue for people who can get pregnant. Contraceptives and abortion services are part of normal healthcare. A considerable part of what we voted for in 2018 was access to free contraceptives and a robust program of education to be brought into the primary and secondary curricula. Sex education programs like Debunking the Myths, a collaboration between the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the Rotunda Hospital, aim to dismantle the myths surrounding sexual health. Comprehensive sex education results in delayed initiation of sexual intercourse, decreased frequency of sexual intercourse, decreased number of sexual partners, reduced risk-taking, increased use of condoms, and increased use of contraception.
As we empower people with knowledge, they can understand the spectrum more on a personal level. Locations that teach abstinence only or refuse to provide sex education often have high rates of unwanted pregnancy, specifically teenage unwanted pregnancies. With holistic and inclusive sex education scheduled to be introduced into Irish schools from 2023 onward, and the widespread availability of consent classes, this stigma will hopefully become a thing of the past.
Gender and sexuality are the most pervasive and bitterly contested domains of oppression by the powerful, and we are seeing this around the world right now as hard-won rights and freedoms are being stripped in the areas of gender and sexuality. Deconstructing and freeing ourselves from old gender norms and expectations will benefit everyone, particularly in the realm of sexual health and freedoms. As Karen Sugrue notes, “we will have to fight for every inch of ground, and we must start with education. We need to contact our TDs and impress upon them the urgent need to fund, support, and implement a mandatory and robust RSE program.”
