The birth control movement, pioneered by Margaret Sanger and other radical, leftist, activists in New York City, began in the early 1900s. From opening the first birth control clinic to fighting anti-birth control legislation, these women fought tirelessly for women’s reproductive health. They dreamed of a world where women had full determination over family planning and their bodily autonomy. Over 100 years later, one would assume that access to birth control would be just another fact of life. But here we are.
The recent overturning of Roe v. Wade set the birth control movement back a century. The shock and grief are still palpable as people with uteruses hold their collective breaths waiting for the next attack. But just as Sanger and the other courageous women of the early movement forged forward, so can we. The fight is far from over and these setbacks don’t have to be permanent. Here are five tips for fighting for your right to birth control.
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Table of Contents
1. Take Control of Your Own Reproductive Health
It really does start with the individual. Managing your reproductive health has always been important, but it has become vital as states continue to pass anti-abortion legislation. For many people across the country, their margin of error is now zero. And that’s not a promise even the best birth control practices offer.
There are still large disparities in access to safe and convenient reproductive healthcare. From poor insurance coverage to living in contraception deserts, obtaining birth control is a struggle for many people. Even in the best situations, staying on top of your birth control efforts can still be difficult. Fortunately, access to birth control online has become easier than ever. After an online consultation, your preferred birth control can be shipped right to your mailbox. Definitely an easy best practice!
2. Vote
While usually viewed separately, the birth control and suffrage movements are deeply intertwined. Many of the same women who fought for birth control rights also fought to ensure women have a voice. Make sure your voice continues to be heard by registering to vote and showing up to the polls. Yes, even for local elections!
While the “big” elections held every two and four years are certainly important, your influence in local elections is even greater. Local elections determine your community’s school board, which in turn dictates what curriculum is permitted in your schools. Comprehensive sex education substantially reduces teen pregnancies and insures the next generation is armed with the necessary facts and resources. Changes happen at the ground level.
3. Donate
Money can’t buy happiness, but it can help provide people with better access to birth control. Nonprofits like Planned Parenthood, Upstream USA, and Power to Decide strive to provide equitable access to reproductive health services. By supporting these and other non-profits, you can ensure more people can get the services they need.
Groups like Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and Naral continue to advocate for abortion rights within our courts. There may be additional pro-choice organizations in your own community as well. Helping fund pro-choice organizations makes sure this fight will continue. Hopefully, one day anyone who decides they want an abortion can receive the medical attention and care they need.
4. Get Involved
For those who are more financially limited, donating your time can be just as impactful. There are endless ways to get involved in the fight for reproductive rights. Most non-profits are heavily volunteer-driven and would be happy to have your support. Check your favorite pro-choice organization’s website for their “volunteer” or “get involved” tabs and see where you can be helpful.
Join or create a pro-choice group in your own community and organize lobbying days at your local legislature. Or maybe attending an organized protest is more your speed. Even writing a letter to the editor of your local paper can aid in awareness and education. Whether you’re helping others register to vote for an upcoming election or escorting people into abortion clinics, it all matters!
5. Contact Your Representatives
If you live in a state with pro-choice leaders, congratulations, your job is easy. A heartfelt “thank you” might suffice if you’re feeling generous. For those in conservative states, this task may seem a little more daunting. Emails, hand-written letters, phone calls, and even Tweets can all be effective means of letting your representatives know your stance. Since written measures can be ignored or discarded, phone calls are particularly effective.
Like voting, contacting your elected officials can be done at the local, state, and national levels. This is also an area where you may feel like you have more direct success at the local level. If you’re not great with words, the internet is full of great scripts and templates you can customize for your city’s or state’s elected officials. And don’t forget to check in on those school board members!
While the damage of overturning Roe v. Wade has already been done, there is still more on the line. Expanding access and removing barriers to birth control can decrease some of the need for abortion services. This is now critical in states that have limited or non-existent options for terminating pregnancies. Even if you currently have ample access to birth control, many across the country do not. Fundamentally, the right for anyone who can conceive to have a choice in when and how they do that is a matter of human rights.
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