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Conceptions about contraception
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Birth control can be a controversial issue, as demonstrated by the removal of a condom coupon from the booklet given out by the Boise State Bookstore. The removal, sparked by complaints from parents, may be attributed in part to a lack of understanding about this method of birth control, despite its popularity and familiarity.
In an arbiteronline.com poll taken by 497 people, 87 percent felt it was wrong to tear out the coupon.
In response to strong student opinions on both sides of the issue, The Arbiter examined both the physical and moral implications of contraception.
The medical front
Perhaps the most popular – yet misunderstood – method of birth control is the pill. For many years women have received mixed messages about the pill. One common misconception is that it’s risky to stop your period.
According to Director of Boise State University Medical Services Vincent Serio, studies show it is safe to suppress the period using various methods like the pill and suppressing your period can help fight PMS.
Another option, Serio said, is a Depo-Provera injection that can completely eliminate a woman’s period. A disadvantage to this, though, is that there can be an infertile period of six months to a year after use. It is not proven to eliminate fertility, however, as some would argue.
Another misconception is that the pill increases cancer risks. According to an “Overview of Contraception” report from utdol.com, the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers lowers the longer a woman is on the pill.
“However, there is a scary side to the pill,” Serio said. “The most dreaded side effect, which is more common with the combined pill, is risk of blood clots. Women over 35, smokers and women who have had blood clots, or a family history of clots, should not use them.”
Many factors influence the effectiveness of birth control, such as frequency of intercourse, age and regularity of menstrual cycles.
“A lot of girls now days have hormone imbalances and you see a lot of PMDS,” said sophomore Ashley Fergusen. “Birth control is a really good thing. It keeps your hormones in check, clears up acne and helps with water weight. It’s crazy to think that in the 50s it was illegal in some states. The only thing people don’t realize is that they don’t protect against STIs.”
Whether it’s a choice method for family planning, or simply relief from painful periods and hormonal imbalances, Boise State Health Services is committed to matching women to the form that’s best for them.
“We can help people pick the right one,” Dr. Serio said. “We can fill in the blanks and provide a lot of education and options.”
News Coordinator Tabitha Keily contributed to this article.
The moral front
For many students, contraceptives bring about a question of profound moral implications.
“I believe life begins at conception, so anything that would prevent life from continuing after conception would be abortion,” Campus Crusade for Christ Advisor Billy Mogensen said. “If a birth control method causes abortion then, biblically, it would be viewed as wrong.”
Not everyone at Boise State agrees with Mogensen on this issue.
“It makes me angry that in America people try to enforce their religious views on me and take away my choice for what’s right for my body,” student Stacy Willson said.
Student Brittany Crouch agreed with the idea of preventative birth control, but is against emergency contraception.
“I’m pretty much for it [birth control]. It beats the alternative,” Crouch said. “Plan B I don’t agree with because you take it after, when you could already have life in you.”
It’s not just Plan B, or the morning after pill, that raises red flags to many who are pro-life. It’s intrauterine devices and certain low-dose oral contraceptives as well. These sometimes don’t prevent conception, but prevent implantation of an already fertilized ovum.
“Sexual relations are in part about having a child,” Deacon Chuck Skoro of St. Paul’s Catholic Student Center said. “By using contraceptives I’m closing myself to possibly conceiving and [am] not interested in that aspect of sex.”
Nina Decker, president of the Organization for Gender Equality in Education, said contraceptives are just part of responsible health care.
“Some kinds help clear acne and diminish cramps and ovarian cysts,” Decker said.
“Other forms of birth control like condoms protect against HIV and other STIs. Restricting access to this vital health care tool would completely undermine the concept of responsible health practices.”
The moral debate differs depending on values and beliefs. What one couple or individual views as a safe method might not be for someone else.
Editor-in-Chief Shannon Morgan contributed to this article.
The views expressed are those of individual – not necessarily those of the organization(s) they are associated with.
SONIA TREVIZO
Arbiter Journalist