The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn Roe v. Wade sparked controversy and concern among many United States citizens. With the notable legislation removed after having been established for many years, those who are concerned wonder what will come next. Other legislation has come into question regarding access to contraceptives. In light of recent events, here are the limitations U.S. politicians are considering on birth control.
ROE V WADE OVERTURNED
In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a 1973 ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. This decision no longer recognizes the constitutional right to abortion that was established almost 50 years ago. Many citizens are concerned that this action will pull other freedoms regarding pregnancy into question. Originally, The Constitution did not address the stability of women’s rights before other amendments were established.
From this action, U.S. politicians are regressing politically by interpreting constitutional rights similarly to when they were previously overlooked. According to American Progress, the U.S. Constitution originally did not include gender equality nor female bodily autonomy. The decision to sacrifice female bodily autonomy rests upon acknowledging the autonomy of the woman’s unborn child. Today, the main issue some lawmakers have concerning abortions resides in the belief that life begins at conception.
BIRTH CONTROL IN QUESTION
According to NBC News, politicians have debated the ban of contraceptives since the Court decision earlier this year. Some elected officials suggest limiting resources that prevent pregnancy at the moment of conception as they consider emergency contraceptives as a form of abortion. According to GoodRx Health, this myth has been debunked. It seems contradictory that those opposing pregnancy termination would desire to inhibit pregnancy prevention.
Emergency contraceptives include IUDs and Plan B, but many people in the U.S. worry about their access to the birth control pill. An IUD is an implanted device inserted before sexual intercourse that serves as long-term birth control. Plan B, also called the morning after pill, is a pill consumed after unprotected sexual intercourse that blocks fertilization by postponing ovulation.
Currently, Plan B and IUDs are currently available in many states. However, debating access restrictions to these specific contraceptives also puts birth control in question. The birth control pill is a contraceptive taken before sexual intercourse to prevent conception. Limiting access to resources that prevent pregnancy may plausibly cause an increase of women seeking abortions.
The lack of these resources would increase unwanted pregnancies, causing more people to want abortion access. The only way to prevent unwanted pregnancy without contraceptives would be for U.S. citizens to practice abstinence, which would be an unfeasible request. In order to prevent abortions, there must be available resources to prevent pregnancy. Otherwise, citizens will question their freedom toward having sexual intercourse without the intention of pregnancy.
