“If we had more accessible birth control, we wouldn’t need abortion!”

 

“Birth control is healthy!”

 

“We need birth control for population control!”

 

These are just some of the arguments I’ve heard over and over again for birth control, as I’m sure you have as well. 

 

The majority of people in the pro-life movement agree with science, which says that life begins at conception. From the moment that an egg is fertilized, a new and unique human is created. 

 

Because of this, we tend to be skeptical of contraceptives and medications that can prevent or terminate a pregnancy. 

 

While the main purpose for most birth control pills is to prevent ovulation, some pills also work by altering the uterine lining to make it less receptive to implantation. 

 

But what does this mean?

 

It means that if fertilization does occur, then the embryo most likely will be unable to implant and develop, resulting in the death of a potentially viable human life.

 

This is why the pro-life movement has objections to the use of birth control. 

 

This week, the FDA approved a birth control pill called Opill.

 

What’s different about this pill?

 

Why is it such a big deal?

 

Why is it so different from other birth control pills that have come before?

 

Well, this pill is accessible over the counter, without a prescription. 

 

The accessibility of Opill over the counter without a prescription raises concerns about the dangerous possibility of misuse and a lack of proper medical supervision. When birth control is available for women to obtain and purchase without the guidance of a healthcare professional, there is an increased risk of not fully understanding the risks associated with use of this medication.

 

Furthermore, it is important to consider the potential societal impact of easily accessible contraceptive methods. While the pro-abortion movement argues that increased access to birth control will reduce the demand for abortions, it’s worth noting that the availability of birth control does not guarantee proper and responsible usage. 

 

Easy access to contraception may contribute to a false sense of security, leading to a decrease in the use of other effective birth control methods, such as condoms, which also help prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

 

As pro-life advocates, we try to shine a light on and prove the importance of a responsible approach to reproductive health that respects and values the dignity and importance of every human life, both born and unborn. 

 

Another selling point for Opill, after the fact that it prevents pregnancy, is the colourful packaging. similar in colour to a pack of candy, or a pack of gum, the dark blue, pastel pinks and purples, and the turquoise green is alluring to young girls. As a young woman myself, I find myself drawn to the pretty, bright colours on the box. In fact, I’m pretty sure that if I put the box next to my bedsheets from middle school, it would blend in. 

 

So, who exactly is Opill designed for? 

 

Frédérique Welgryn, the global vice president for women’s health, said that Opill will be “accessible and affordable to women and people of all ages.”

 

Accessible to… all ages?

 

The Washington Post quotes that “There is no age limit, “and that’s a big victory.” 

 

A… big victory?

 

We know that it’s common sense to not do things when they’re restricted. We don’t want to get in trouble. 

 

But where there is no restriction, there is no consequence. 

 

Girls of any age can now obtain birth control pills over the counter at your nearest pharmacy and grocery store. 

 

When I was in middle school, I remember hearing other girls talk about sex. They giggled and dared each other to do “it” with the older boys in our school. Nobody ever did. Why?

 

Nobody wants to get pregnant in middle school. 

 

Now, I imagine what would happen if those girls had access to an over the counter birth control pill. 

 

What do you think would have happened? 

 

Where there is access, there is action. When Roe vs Wade was passed, there was an increase in abortion. When it was overturned, there was a decrease. 

 

Again, where there is access, there is action. Through allowing young women and girls to purchase contraceptives, we are giving them courage to have sex, and giving them a false security that they will not get pregnant while on “The Pill.”

 

If this is not sexualizing our girls, I don’t know what is. 

 

While the approval of Opill as an over-the-counter birth control pill may be viewed as progress by the pro-abortion movement in terms of so-called “reproductive rights,” it is crucial to approach the topic from a life-honouring perspective. 

 

As a movement, we will continue to fight to uphold the value of life and protect women and girls, as well as help them face unexpected pregnancies.