Asexuals, Gays, Lesbians Not Against Subsidized Birth Control Because It Is Heteronormative

Details: Category: Cake Recipes; Published on Wednesday, 14 March 2012 19:08; Written by Lara Landis; Hits: 449

Subsidizing birth control is not an issue in which most people will invoke Asexuals. The average person believes an Asexual does not need birth control and that such a person does not enjoy procreative sex. The most high profile publication to make this mistake recently is the Atlantic. Conor Friedersdorf, a staff writer for the Atlantic tried to argue against subsidizing birth control because Asexuals do not enjoy procreative sex.

Whether or not the government should subsidize birth control is not the issue. Local governments already subsidize birth control. Government money is used to distribute free condoms. Critics of these programs may suggest focusing on other methods such as abstinence, but the programs were often started to control teenage pregnancy and prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.They do not worry about whether or not they are encourage heteronormativity.

Asexuals can spot two problems with this argument. Sexually active Asexuals will benefit from access to birth control, especially if they do not wish to procreate. Even if an individual does not enjoy procreative sex, it does not mean that Asexuals are bothered by government subsidies for birth control devices or medications.

A better question to ask is why government subsidies are necessary for birth control at all. Removing the prescription requirements for the pill can reduce unwanted pregnancies. Family Planning offices hand out free condoms even in rural areas.

Friedersdrorf's argument simply does not make sense. Trying to imagine himself in the position of sexual minorities is admirable, but the assumptions he makes have little to do with the reality. Women should have an easy-to-use and effective birth control device that is as easy to get as the male equivalent is. Asexuals who have never bought birth control devices may not know whether or not such a device is available, but they probably will not make an argument against a government subsidy for female birth control because they do not personally want intercourse.

Source:

The Sex Friendly Case Against Subsidized Birth Control

Dallas (03.14.2012 (19:47:28))

Did you just say hormonal contraception should be over-the-counter?

1. Hormone-based oral-contraception is often used to balance a person's hormones, whether or not they are trying to prevent pregnancy. An imbalance of hormones can cause seizures, the growth of ovarian cysts, etc. Also, oral-contraception may be prescribed to help with painful, heavy or irregular periods. 40% of women taking oral contraception are taking it for a reason other than or in addition to preventing pregnancy. All of these reasons (including preventing pregnancy) are reasons that aces with a uterus might take oral contraception.

2. Did you seriously just suggest making pills - of which there are dozens of different varieties - each with different levels and types of hormones available over the counter??? A prescription is required because often times women have to have blood and other tests when trying out oral contraceptives because if you take the wrong one it will make your problems worse, not better. Hormones are kept in a VERY delicate balance. Generic is not an option

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Dallas (03.14.2012 (19:49:24))

Oral contraceptives are just like any other medication that a doctor prescribes to a patient and the key issue here is that doctors are prescribing a medication which employers and insurance companies are taking it upon themselves to decide whether or not it's really "necessary" according to them. Medical decisions should be between a patient and doctor and not interfered with by non-medical personal trying to push a religious or political agenda.

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