Lack of reproductive control
For ages, society has been guided by misogyny and cynicism toward women. With power resting in the hands of men, women were seen as nothing more than childbearing vessels and domestic servants. Even in today’s progressive world, the solitary claim of power for many wives rests completely in their husbands’ hands. No wonder a majority of women don’t have any say on their bodies, let alone having reproductive control. Thanks to society’s skewed belief that differentiates and discriminates between female and male bodies, the uterus is a biological playground that stays open at a man’s will and could be violated at any time. The access to reproductive birth control is such a big problem for a majority of women that many resort to abortion as a last-ditch effort for birth control.
Despite the tall claims of gender equality, a large section of the society still views women as second-class citizens whose bodies have become a battle-zone. From the confines of homes where boyfriends or husbands have a say to cases of assault or violence (which may even happen in homes), women often have no control on their bodies. As a result, they can’t decide when, whether, with whom, and how to start a family or expand it. But is the situation so bleak that nothing can be done? It isn’t. Here are some ways that can help.
Educate women about birth control and reproductive rights
Breaking free from society-ingrained image of viewing their bodies as something toxic and triggering sin, women need to be taught to love and respect their bodies at first. The next step is to educate them about the various body processes (which are often considered a taboo)—from hormonal control of the female reproductive cycle and menstruation to birth control, safe sex, pregnancy, and more. This way, they will know the dos and don’ts related to physical intimacy.
Publicizing, protecting, and improving easy access to reproductive control
From using various modes of communication channels to publicize all forms of birth control, including hormonal implants and IUDs (intrauterine devices), to making such methods of birth control inexpensive and easily accessible to women (with mobile vans or vending machines giving such pills or devices, offering tax respite, etc.), women can be empowered and encouraged to take their pick. At the same time, fighting against politicized attacks against women’s healthcare, and ensuring publicly funded programs (like Medicaid) and health insurers continue to offer preventive care services for women is equally essential.
What other steps do you think would help women reclaim their reproductive rights? Share them here in the comments section below. Please feel free to contact me on Twitter or Facebook. Also, grab a copy of my book, Perfect Clarity.
References
Richards, Cecile. 2016. “Protecting and Expanding Access to Birth Control.” The New England Journal of Medicine, March 3. Accessed January 29, 2018. http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1601150?af=R&rss=currentIssue&.
Green, Hannah Harris. 2017. “The Future of Birth Control Means Facing Up to Its Sexist Past.” How We Get To Next, September 12. Accessed January 29, 2018. https://howwegettonext.com/the-future-of-birth-control-means-facing-up-to-its-sexist-past-848c139a57c3.
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