Honors Theses
Date of Award
2008
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Accountancy
First Advisor
Mary Carruth
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Much of the controversy surrounding reproductive rights in the United States is mainly concentrated on abortion; however, an equally significant reproductive concern that sometimes goes unnoticed is the current contraception crisis in this countr>^ Pro-life and conservative right wing groups have surreptitiously launched a propaganda campaign to distort contraceptive information, leading many Americans to believe that contraception is unsafe, anti-family, and a form of abortion. These assertions are complete fabrications created to gain followers. The pro-choice side advocates the truths that contraception is safe and effective, supportive of families, and is not scientifically or medically considered a form of abortion. The purpose of this thesis is to present the history and cuiTent concerns of birth control and emergency contraception, expose the myths behind the pro-life position, and offer solutions for contraceptive knowledge and equity for the government to legislate in order to find common ground between the pro-choice and pro-life sides. This research sought to answer the following questions: 1) Since contraception limits the need for abortion, why do pro-life groups fight to control contraceptive knowledge and access?, 2) Why does the U.S. government allow religious and moral beliefs to take precedence over scientific facts regarding contraception?, and 3) What solutions can and should be offered by the federal government to increase knowledge and access to contraception tor all women in America? Through inveslisutive research, it became clear that the pro-life groups were more concerned with social control than the w-elfare of women. They offer a no-choice environment w'here women become slaves to their fertility. Furthermore, the contemporary right wing movement is more concerned with sexual suppression, putting many young adults at risk for unw'anted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Ultimately, the government is to serve as a mediator between the pro-choice and pro-life sides in order to serve the citizenry best. Landmark court cases have won women the legal right to use contraception, and science has proven the safety and effectiveness of their use; therefore, political and religious ideologies should let the justice system, science, and technology speak for themselves. VI
Recommended Citation
Ainsworth, Meghann Diane, "Conceiving Equity: The Paradox Surrounding the Contraception Crisis in America" (2008). Honors Theses. 1938.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/1938
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