The other ones
When people talk about birth control, they generally mean the pill. The birth control pill was a revolutionary invention for its time and really brought about the idea of having some control over one's reproduction (if, when and with whom). But there are other forms of birth control that can be just as important.
I can't use hormonal contraception (I'm a mutant, but not the cool super-powers kind). Some people choose to use other forms of birth control like condoms, IUDs, or diaphragms for a variety of reasons. Abortions, too, are a form of birth control - a way to end an unintended pregnancy. And let's admit it - no one should be forced to have children against their will. It's important to remember that these things are also needed and that if we posit that deciding if and when to have children is a human right, then we need to remember all the ways in which to not become pregnant.
You might say that getting condoms is easy. But for some it can be difficult or impossible to get condoms. Teenagers and the elderly, the incarcerated and the institutionalized, and the poor all have some barrier to access, whether it be time, money, knowledge, or the embarrassment factor. And when it comes to the other forms of non-hormonal birth control, well, they are even less affordable and accessible. Abortions are under attack in practically every state, doctors often object to IUD use by women who haven't had a child or are not in a monogamous partnership, and who even hears about diaphragms anymore?
When we fight for reproductive freedom, we must remember that having a multitude of options is an undeniable good. The more options the better! Right now, men have the short end of the stick, with only one option for birth control. That is another fight for reproductive choices that needs to be fought. And making all the options affordable for anyone who wants them should be a given. Let's work on that.
I can't use hormonal contraception (I'm a mutant, but not the cool super-powers kind). Some people choose to use other forms of birth control like condoms, IUDs, or diaphragms for a variety of reasons. Abortions, too, are a form of birth control - a way to end an unintended pregnancy. And let's admit it - no one should be forced to have children against their will. It's important to remember that these things are also needed and that if we posit that deciding if and when to have children is a human right, then we need to remember all the ways in which to not become pregnant.
You might say that getting condoms is easy. But for some it can be difficult or impossible to get condoms. Teenagers and the elderly, the incarcerated and the institutionalized, and the poor all have some barrier to access, whether it be time, money, knowledge, or the embarrassment factor. And when it comes to the other forms of non-hormonal birth control, well, they are even less affordable and accessible. Abortions are under attack in practically every state, doctors often object to IUD use by women who haven't had a child or are not in a monogamous partnership, and who even hears about diaphragms anymore?
When we fight for reproductive freedom, we must remember that having a multitude of options is an undeniable good. The more options the better! Right now, men have the short end of the stick, with only one option for birth control. That is another fight for reproductive choices that needs to be fought. And making all the options affordable for anyone who wants them should be a given. Let's work on that.