Friday Feminist Fuck Yeah: Contraception

Happy World Contraception Day! While I think we could use some better contraceptive options, there’s no question that we’re living in a golden age for birth control. Just take a look at this video from EngenderHealth on history’s worst contraceptives.

Unfortunately, just because better options than weasel testicles and thimbles exist today doesn’t automatically mean we all have access to them. Here in the US, Obamacare expanded affordable access to birth control for millions, while a vocal minority is still trying to force their anti-contraception beliefs on others. Worldwide, more than 220 million women in developing countries lack access to birth control they want.

As EngenderHealth’s campaign notes, ensuring global access to family planning care would prevent 70 percent of maternal deaths and 44 percent of newborn deaths, not to mention give women the means to control their futures. Which is a pretty huge thing–no wonder people have been willing to slather crocodile dung on themselves to try to secure it.