Free Contraception: 1 Step Forward Or Fluke In Freedom?
By Charly Emery. Posted on .
Sandra's argument suggests that despite not wanting women's health to take a back seat to bureaucracy, getting that same bureaucracy to cover our contraception costs translates into equality. How is that so? Over the years we have worked hard to increase our freedom of choice with regard to our bodies. There's nothing more empowering and loving as a woman than using your awareness to protect and care for your body.
Taking responsibility for engaging in sexual activity of any kind is at the core of female empowerment. So I ask you, as proactive, liberated women, are we actually trading power instead of gaining it by standing behind such a contradictory solicitation? In truth, since prescription contraceptives don't protect against STD's, it's possible that those forced to use less expensive methods will come out even safer in the long run since secondary methods offer greater protection. Sandra Fluke Rejects Rush Limbaugh's Apology: What Do You Think?
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It could also foster greater personal awareness at a time when our attention is often fractured. As far as equality, I can only imagine the slew of controversy that men asking for a lifetime supply of condoms would create. The most disturbing part of Sandra's plea, however, was her choice to use women with medical conditions such a polycystic ovarian syndrome to boost her appeal.
These women deserved an unwavering focus that highlighted their precarious position. Instead I was saddened to see Sandra, a law student and reproductive rights activist, intertwine two distinct petitions rather than use her invaluable opportunity to focus solely on those women who need the legislative distinction so desperately. Wisdom from Whitney: Put Yourself First
As a rape survivor who has utilized invaluable resources such as Planned Parenthood for testing and support after being assaulted on my college campus, I'm a champion for women's health and empowerment. We, like men, should have the right to choose what we do with our bodies.
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However, we must also be consistent in our actions as well as our perspectives. To demand equality is to live what we demand. Making any resource pay for contraception related to our choices regarding sex is a contradiction rather than an exception. Sandra is young. She's part of a generation who perceive many of their privileges as rights they're entitled to.
