Sociology 434
Contraceptive use among American women is an issue that has generated a lot of interest amongst the populace. Some individuals and some religious bodies view contraception as akin to abortion, hence, a sinful act, thereby disapproving of it in its entirety. On the other hand, there are some individuals who feel strongly about the use of contraception among women. They argue that stemming access to contraception in any form is as good as grossly violating a woman’s fundamental human right. The arguments for and against contraception use were so fierce that legal interpretation and redresses were sought in the courts of law. This led to different states having different stances on the issue.
The laws are New York statute on contraception, Connecticut statute on contraception, the Massachusetts and the California law. The New York statute on contraception prevents anyone including doctors from advertising, prescribing, or distributing drugs intended to prevent conception. Also, the Connecticut statute on contraception prohibits usage of drugs to prevent conception and any other means to prevent conception. Contraceptive use is considered unconstitutional there.
The Massachusetts law prevents distribution of materials for contraception. But, California laws permit issuance of condoms to students.
The three part social context model involve; elements, action and change. Element refers to the issue of contraceptive use among American women, action refers to the various advocacy groups and the various laws and policies made pertaining to the issue while change refers to the effects the policies and laws have on the society.
A group led by Margaret Sanger which later became the Planned Parenthood Federation of America argued that contraceptives should be used by American women so that the incidence and complications associated with illegal abortion is reduced.
The impact of the various laws is mixed. It has reduced the birth rate in some states while in some states; legislation against abortion has been strengthened.
In Conclusion, the issue of Contraceptive use among American women will continue to be a topic for discourse until there is a uniform stand about it across the country.
