Birth Control

Availability to
Minors
Charlotte Rogers
HS 2050
Professor Zealley

Introduction
One of the biggest debates of the new generation is the question, should minors be
supplied birth control? The crux of this debate is, by providing birth control to minors, is it
relaying the perception that underage sex is permissible and encouraged. Although this argument
has some validity, which will be discussed, ultimately the use of birth control can only be
advocated for.

Thesis
In this paper, we will see the pros and cons of the availability of contraceptive methods to
minors. We will analyze the statistics behind the use of sex education and other methods to
promote safe sex and abstinence. Highlighting the major obstacles that come with the spreading
of sex accepting culture and what can be done about it. Both moral and ethical obligations about
this issue will be discussed.

Body
The statistics dont lie, they are unfortunately quite dramatic and saddening. The rate of
teenage pregnancy in the United States is at its lowest level in nearly 40 years, but it is still one
of the highest among the developed countries in the world. Approximately 67.8 per 1000 women
aged 15-19, which is nearly 750,000 American teenagers become pregnant each year. 82% of
these pregnancies are unintended (Planned Parenthood).

What has caused this? Well, there are several reasons why more teenagers are having sex.
Firstly, menarche (beginning of menstruation) has reached an all-time low, a study taken over the
years of 1999-2004, shows the change in the age of the commencement of menses. The data
shows that for those women born before the 1920s the average age was 13.3, the data taken most
recently shows that women born in the 1980s averaged at age 12.4. There are demographic
differences within these statistics. Women of African American decent have the most drastic
change in age. While white women had the least amount of change in age (Brody, Hughes,
McDowell).
Secondly, sex education in the United States is lacking compared to other developed
countries. In the Netherlands, the rate of teenage pregnancy is 5.1 per 1000 women. This is 6
times lower than the pregnancy rates in the US. Sex education is an important tool to motivate
minors to not only practice safe sex but also to be aware of their risks. As displayed above, there
is a very distinct connection between sex education and pregnancy rates. The question that is
asked is, does this mean that with better sex education minors practice abstinence? Or are they
just smarter about it?
The numbers, again, show some surprising things. Comparing US rates to those of the
Dutch again, we see a significant difference in use of contraceptive measures. Condom use by
sexually active males in the Netherlands is at 85% compared to the US at 75%. Although that
itself may not shock anyone, the next statistic is much more drastic. Contraceptive pill usage by
females in the Netherlands is at 61% while American women lag behind at a staggering 11%
(Wade). So although rates of abstinence are not included above, it is obvious that better sex
education leads to smarter contraceptive use.

Thirdly, socially sex has become more mainstream things that were once considered to
be unacceptable to converse about are now mentioned in day to day conversation. Media has
contributed a lot to this phenomenon. Again, this is best displayed by the numbers. Adolescents
average 20 hours of TV viewing time during a week, during these hours it is estimated that 2 out
of every 3 shows depicts sex. Out of this 66.6% of the time it is estimated that only 10% of the
time sex is presented with use of contraceptive measures. Sex is romanticized, but the
consequences are almost never explored. This combined with poor sex education can lead to
some poor choices (Washington).
Fourthly, Americans, although mostly progressive individuals have on average a very
close minded approach to sex. This is seen clearly when pregnancy rates are compared state to
state in the US. The southern states (e.g. Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas etc.) have the highest rate
of teenage pregnancy. These states are also the most conservative states in the country. Because
of the religious and moral culture in these states which preach abstinence, unprotected sex seems
to be a large problem (Lewis).
Fifthly and lastly, unfortunately the difference in pregnancy rates, use of contraceptive
methods, sex education, sex acceptance, and abortion differ vastly between races. Hispanics and
African Americans lead with the highest rates in all these areas, with non-Hispanic whites having
significantly better statistics. Statisticians and researchers have different theories on why this
might be. Some claim it has directly to do with the difference in income levels in these different
demographics, others claim it has more to do with the culture present in these minorities (Wiltz).
Even though the numbers show a lot, applied to a real life scenario these numbers come
to life. Drawing from real life, we will analyze two different situations. First, we have Maria,
she is 15 years old. She has not experienced with sex, although all her friends are doing it. When

her boyfriend suggests it, Maria feels pressure to give in to him because she doesnt want to be
considered un-cool. Maria has never had sex education, her familys religion preaches
abstinence and she is embarrassed to ask her sexually active friends for information, because she
doesnt want to seem nave.
There are Marias everywhere, girls with no knowledge and with no idea how to receive
it. These girls, like Maria did, end up getting pregnant (as a result of not using effective
contraceptive methods) and subsequently having an abortion. Now, comparing her story with that
of 16-year-old Sabrina, her school offers contraceptive methods through the schools health
department with no questions asked. When her boyfriend and her decide to have sex, she goes to
the school nurse who answers any questions she has about sex and suggests that she protect
herself with a contraceptive pill. The nurse explains that through local clinics she can receive
birth control pills, rings etc. without involving her parents.
So which girl is better off? Many would say Maria got the bad end of the stick, but others
may suggest that the school overstepped their bounds with Sabrina. Ultimately it comes down to
the patients quality of life. Emotionally and physically Maria suffered a good deal, while
Sabrina did not have too.

Conclusion
For this reason, through the evidence presented, morally and ethically birth control
should be available to minors. When we analyze all the facts, it cannot be denied that through
proper sex education and the access to contraceptives, minors are more likely to not only have
safe sex but healthy sex. Widespread sex education can actually increase rates of abstinence,
when people are educated they can make educated decisions. An underage girl or boy should not

have to make such an important decision without the right tools. In regards to how morally right
this is, all that can be said is what benefit is it to ignore something that is going to happen
anyway? As medical practitioners, parents, guardians, teachers, etc., our moral and ethical
responsibility makes us accountable for the safety and wellbeing of those in our care, so let us
protect their wellbeing.

Bibliography

Brody DJ, Hughes JP, McDowell MA. Has age at menarche changed? Results from the
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2004. Junior Adolescence
Health. US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. January 24, 2007. Web.
August 7, 2016.

Lewis, Tanya. New Rankings Reveal Teen Pregnancy Rates in Each State. LiveScience.
Huffington Post. May 5, 2014. Web. August 7, 2016.

Planned Parenthood. Reducing Teenage Pregnancy. Planned Parenthood. Planned

Parenthood. Web. August 7, 2016

Wade, Lisa. Consequence of U.S. and Dutch Approaches to Teen Sex. The Society
Pages. The Society Pages. September 6, 2010. Web. August 7, 2016

Washington University. Television is a major part of daily life. Washington University.

Washington University. Web. August 7, 2016.

Wiltz, Teresa. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Teen Pregnancy Rates. Pew Trusts. Pew
Trusts. March 3, 2015. Web. August 7, 2016.