A Pro-Woman Response to Plan B

Removing age restrictions on emergency contraceptives resembles a noble call for freedom of opportunity and equality, but it instead portrays a lack of familial support and a misunderstanding of femininity in today’s society.

U.S. District Court Judge Edward Korman approved the Obama administration’s concession that makes Plan B One Step, an emergency contraceptive, available to all women regardless of age. The Obama administration had originally appealed an April 5th ruling by Judge Korman that made Plan B One Step available over-the-counter, but instead decided to submit a plan for compliance and dropped the appeal. Based on the concern that most young girls would be embarrassed and scared to approach a parent or adult after having sex, the federal government has ruled that girls should be able to take control of their own bodies to prevent an unwanted pregnancy without parental permission or a doctor’s prescription.

At first glance, this seems to be a triumph for female equality. It is true that boys and men of all ages can buy condoms – so shouldn’t girls and women be able to buy contraceptives if they are to be treated equally? Theoretically, yes, but condoms and hormonal contraceptives are inherently different. According to Plan B’s website, the pill works by “preventing ovulation, possibly preventing fertilization by altering tubal transport of sperm and/or egg, [and by] altering the endometrium, which may inhibit implantation, stop ovulation or prevent implantation of the embryo.” If a girl is sexually active at the onset of puberty, she does not suddenly become an adult. She is still a young woman who needs the support and care of a parent, counselor, or relative. If she thinks she is pregnant, a girl under 17 should consult a trusted adult – someone other than the stranger behind the pharmacy counter – before taking a powerful drug. Although approaching an adult with such a problem would certainly be difficult and embarrassing, the adult would inform her of the medical attention she needs after becoming sexually active. A young girl who can buy emergency contraceptives without consulting an adult is not likely to be seeking proper medical care or receiving information regarding healthy relationships.

Exposing 12-year-old girls to such a powerful medication without parental supervision, gynecological medical attention, or a doctor’s prescription is irresponsible. Requiring some counseling or parental permission before buying emergency contraception would also encourage young girls to seek assistance after being raped or assaulted. Instead of remaining alone out of fear and embarrassment, they must be given proper medical and psychological care.

The age limit on emergency contraceptives is certainly a burden on young girls, but the government has a precedent of restricting actions based on age or developmental maturity.

Alcohol consumption, school attendance, driving, and marriage are actions reserved for citizens of a certain age, so limiting birth control for women under 17 would be consistent within our laws.The fact that young girls are vulnerable and still dependent on adult care is not a moral judgment on contraception or premarital sex. Unwanted pregnancy has life-changing consequences, but the weight of that decision should not rest solely on the shoulders of a student in middle or high school. Regardless of her course of action regarding pregnancy, a sexually active 12 year old, just like any other girl, needs the support and guidance of a trusted adult until she is emotionally and physically mature. That is the pro-woman action.

A 12-year-old is still under the supervision of a parent or guardian and is not as physically, socially, or emotionally mature as a 17 year old woman. It is a natural phenomenon that females carry the burden of pregnancy after sex, but instead of isolating them with a “just take care of it” attitude, they should be helped when most in need. If a parental figure is not present, the emergency contraceptive allows that parent, role model, or guardian to remain absent at a very important time of a girl’s life. Allowing girls to buy Plan B One Step is one large step in the wrong direction for those interested in protecting young women.