The Contraceptive Pill

[migrendel]

I support this as a fine method to abate the onslaught of unwanted, unloved children and confirm women in the sanctity of their sexual autonomy.

But I cannot support it as a method of family planning in our international development programs. This pill works by altering the body chemistry so the body thinks that it is pregnant. It raises the progesterone level to supress the menstrual cycle, just like during a pregnancy, and depletes the estrogen level.

This is not the best idea for malnourished women in places like Bangladesh. It can cause premature osteoperosis by depriving women of the necessary hormones for good bone health. Also, with the specter of HIV/AIDS hanging in the air, there is a decided need for barrier devices.

We would do the greatest good by making condoms more available and funding abortion services abroad.