Respect Other People's Decisions

                A much debated issue in modern America revolves around the use of contraceptives.  Is it morally right? How does it affect society as a whole?  Each person has his or her own answer to these questions based on their upbringing, religious backgrounds, and beliefs about the what is “good” and what is “bad”.  Therefore, there is a wide range of opinions on birth control. These opinions can range from “this is a wholly positive thing that should be endorsed by the government” to “Contraceptives are morally and ethically wrong and should not be allowed” and may fall anywhere in between.

                First, let’s address the liberal extreme (and keep in mind that even liberals have different views that may be more or less extreme than this.

                According to the far left argument about Contraception, everyone has the right to choose.  Women should have the right to choose if they want to raise a child at this stage in their lives; families should have the right to choose whether they can afford to have (possibly another) child.  Other arguments for birth control are that it encourages gender equality and minimizes the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases.

                This position would be most valid in a society that seeks to emphasize freedom and equality, because the arguments used by the liberal side appeal to the desire to choose for oneself and for equality.

                The far right’s argument is the polar opposite of the far left (as can only be expected).  Those who have a more conservative view contraception as a form of abortion.  They believe the taking of a human life, even if the human has yet to begin forming, is wrong (sometimes regardless of the circumstances).  These people also argue that contraception encourages promiscuity and with it heightens the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.  It is also called unnatural and bad for the family.

                This position is most valid in a community that values safety and stability above all else, including a person’s right to choose.

                I lean more towards the liberal side, although I believe that an individualized approach to contraception is best.  It should not be a requirement of employees to be on birth control, but it should certainly be an option.  The outright banning of contraception is not the best answer because it has other uses than just to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.  The Pill can be used to regulate a sporadic period, or to ease pain during a woman’s menstrual cycle.

                I propose a government supported program that makes birth control affordable for women who need it, but that is not required of everyone.  This program would include government subsidies on the Pill, other birth control methods, and visits to doctors who prescribe the contraceptions.  This way those who choose to use them have the ability to do so.  Birth control would not be made a requirement or anything to that effect, but those who have problems with the use of contraceptives would be asked to apply their choice to themselves, and respect the circumstances and decisions of others.

 

sources:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/contraception/against_1.shtml

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/contraception/in_favour.shtml