It’s called Plan *B* for a reason
This morning at the gym, I grabbed the latest issue of Sac News & Review from the handy rack by the front door and passed my eliptical time largely by reading the cover story about the battle over access to emergency contraception - more specifically “Plan B” the pill (two pills, really) that delays ovulation to lower the chances of pregnancy when taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. (There are also ways to alter your normal dosage of birth control pills to affect the same result - google the subject for more information or, better yet, ask your doctor.)
The article doesn’t cover much that’s new in the battle - at least for anyone who keeps up on the topic: it starts with the story of one area woman who was denied Plan B after going to a local Longs Drugs after the condom broke (with her husband, by the way). I agree with efforts to ensure access, but the article basically lost me with the following paragraph:
After decades of wanting more flexible birth control, women now have access to an almost perfect means of backup contraception, one that doesn’t need to be taken at the same time every day or implanted under the skin or inserted in advance. And no one has to encase any part of himself or herself in rubber.
Okay, so the first things referenced - the Pill and norplant or the ring or VCF or whatever - aren’t “back-ups.” They are preventative and by definition aren’t after-the-fact options. But I’ll let that go. That last line, however . . . .
Plan B does NOT provide the ability to refrain from “encas[ing] any part” of yourself in rubber. Plan B does not protect against STDs. Plan B is plan B, not plan A. Plan A is birth control, condoms, or abstinence. Any implication that Plan B makes informed, responsible sex easier is irresponsible and downright dangerous. Shame on the reporter for writing the kind of statement that adds fuel to the fire of ignorance keeping Plan B from becoming an over-the-counter option. Shame on the editors for allowing such a statement to run in their paper.
Check out this site for more on Emergency contraception or call your doctor. But just because it’s available doesn’t mean it’s 100% effective nor does it excuse you from the same common-sense measures that will keep you safe, healthy, and baby-free. And remember, though many health care providers will be happy to give you a prescription for Plan B so you can keep a dose on hand for emergencies, in California, no prescription is needed to obtain the drug. At least for now. Until more idiotic statements implying that EC negates the need for a condom and common sense seal opponent’s victory over compassionate health care.
I also sent this letter to the SN&R editor and would encourage others to do the same. We need to raise awareness of Plan B - but we need to do so reponsibly and in a way that educates the public:
Dear Editor,
As a supporter of open access to emergency contraception, I eagerly picked up your latest issue to read the cover story about the battle over Plan B. Though the article is mostly an accurate and well-written chronicle of the current political war over this form of birth control, writer Chrisanne Beckner undercuts the entire purpose of profiling the issue in one paragraph.
She writes: “After decades of wanting more flexible birth control, women now have access to an almost perfect means of backup contraception, one that doesn’t need to be taken at the same time every day or implanted under the skin or inserted in advance. And no one has to encase any part of himself or herself in rubber.”
Plan B’s availability should NEVER cause partners to refrain from using condoms or other forms of birth control. Emergency contraception is just that - an emergency form of contraception. It is not and should not be used instead of normal, effective, safe, and much less mentally taxing forms of birth control. Plan B does not prevent, treat, or cure STDs either. It’s bad enough that the paragraph implies the Pill, Norplant, or spermicide are “back up” or somehow less important with Plan B. But to imply that condoms aren’t needed if Plan B is on-hand is just wrong - factually and ethically.
It’s just that kind of statement that opponents of Plan B use to stop its transition from prescription to over-the-counter availability. Plan B is still potent medicine that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
I hope any future discussion of emergency contraception emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in sexual activity. In a perfect world, no one will need Plan B because everyone will be safe beforehand. Plan B shouldn’t be characterized as the first line of defense and Ms. Beckner was wrong to do so.
Yours truly,
Christiana Dominguez
Sacramento, CA