Birth Control Facts And Respect For Your Body

Over the last few years, teen birth rates in America have gone through the roof.  While certain groups demand more emphasis on faith, and less emphasis on teaching about birth control methods, the toll on teenagers continues to grow.  Unfortunately, when it comes to birth control facts, neither group seems to advocate respect for the individual and their body. 

Irregardless of whether our bodies were formed by evolution or intelligent design, we have the best of everything.  That includes a reproductive system that is responsible for producing millions of new babies every year.   In fact, our reproductive systems are so efficient, and viable for so long, many cultures distribute birth control facts and devices in an attempt to curb the population.

Today, in America certain groups have repeatedly sought to control what can and cannot be taught in the way of birth control facts.  As an example, in the promotion of abstinence, some want to add a tag that one must follow a moral or religious belief.  Considering that teenagers are under enormous amounts of pressure from every quarter, perhaps it is no wonder they turn to “sinful” sexuality, and then wind up with a loss of faith in Christianity.

Personally, I feel that birth control facts in support of abstinence should include a training program about respect for the adult body.   This includes the understanding that the reproductive system is a very powerful and shaping force in our lives, and in our society.   Therefore, birth control facts should include an understanding that this system should not be used just for the sake of pleasure, and disposed of like paper towels.

Birth control facts that include bodily self respect may include some very arcane concepts.  In particular, a woman needs to know that she can say “no” and have that decision be fully respected.   Part of that respect includes freedom from being hassled or pressured from a ”no” into a ”maybe” and a ”maybe” into a ”yes”.   In today's world, there is very little discussion about peer pressure and  its effects when the only birth control facts taught relate to abstinence.

That said, men also need to be taught to respect their bodies.  Over the years, many men have been taught that a condom in their wallet is sufficient emergency preparation for sexual encounters.  While this is one of those birth control facts that happens to be effective in controlling STD's and unwanted pregnancy, it does very little to address the emotional and spiritual needs of males.  In essence, perhaps it is also time to teach men that it is “ok to say no”.

Invariably, politicians and spiritual leaders will go on trying to promote birth control facts that help them establish the impression that they are morally superior to the rest of society.   Unfortunately, as the number of teen pregnancies continues to skyrocket, it should be readily apparent that young people are suffering as a result.  Perhaps it is time to get down to the serious business of teaching people to respect their reproductive capacities so that they can make better management decisions.