Educational Resource
Life Matters: Contraceptives and Women's Well-Being (2012)
Life Matters: Contraceptives and Women's Well-Being
"The birth control pill has been called the invention that "defined the 20th century." The pill and its cousins radically transformed American culture -- fundamentally altering attitudes, values, beliefs, relationships and behaviors, and leading to a substantial increase in casual sexual activity outside marriage.
Many believe that hormonal birth control would give women greater control over their lives, allowing them to pursue educational and career goals free from dependence on men and from the supposed burden of bearing and raising unplanned children. It would improve women's health by helping them space and limit their children. It was their ticket out of poverty through the full-time employment made possible by "controlling" fertility. Finally by reducing unintended pregnancy, the pill would eliminate the "need" for abortion.
Yet a wealth of research amassed by social scientists, doctors, economists and cultural commentators shows that the pill and other hormonal contraceptives have not delivered on these promises. Instead, contraception has harmed women, children and society."