Survey about the "morning-after" pill?

Question

Is it a good idea for it to be available over-the-counter now for people over 18 years old? Does this cut back on unwanted pregnancies or does it merely encourage promiscuity?? (or both!)

I definately think doctors and hospitals should have it in cases of rape, etc. But should it be so easily available to the public??

I'm really curious as to what everyone thinks...

chefgoudah...who said I was liberal?? And who on earth said I was pro-abortion??
I reread my question and I didn't see anything that would convey that message. Actually, I'm rather conservative, and I don't approve of abortion except in cases of rape/incest/physical problems.

Answer 1

I think the whole thing is a bad idea

Answer 2

If people are going to have sex...then they're going to have sex, and the last thing on their mind when they want to have sex is the morning after pill (which, oddly enough, can be taken 72 hours after and is actually 8 pills).In addition, with only an 85% -89% success rate at best, it won't be promoting sexual relations any more than condoms( 90% success rate) or the pill (with 97% or higher success rate when taken correctly).

I know that there are commited and mature couples who are very much in love and mutually decide that they would like to be sexual partners, however, for whatever reason (the condom breaks, etc.) the morning after-pill becomes the only way (aside from luck) that they can prevent an un-timely pregnancy. It's one of those things where they may be emotionally ready and willing to have a child, but the timing just isn't right (one or both partners are in college/grad-school, for example).

I think it depends on what you're beliefs are. If you believe that the only reason a couple should have sex is if they are trying to have a baby, then no, it shouldn't be so readily available to the public. But if that's the case, then neither should any kind of contraception. But if you believe what I said above, then yes, it should be.

Another thing to take into consideration is that the pill is NOT an abortion pill. If you're already pregnant by the time you take it, it will not abort the baby. All "the pill" is is an overdose of birth control pills, usually something like low-ogestrol.

Answer 3

I think it cuts down on unwanted pregnancies, but does not encourage promiscuous behavior.

I know some people are absolutely freaking out about it, but I think it's a good thing that it's available here now without a prescription. I believe firmly in a woman's right to control what happens to her body, and that includes all facets of reproduction. This pill gives women one more tool to control their reproductive health.

Women who are promiscuous are just that. No one is going to run out and say, "Whoo hoo! I can have all the sex I want now!" Women who are like that are already doing it, and most of them are realistic enough to know that they either need to practice some form of birth control or suffer the consequences of an unwanted pregnancy.

Where it really helps, I think, is in cases like broken condoms, or realizing after sex that you forgot you took antibiotics two weeks ago (which can interfere with birth control pills) and you are currently ovulating.

If it's of any interest to you, England has had it available OTC for quite some time. I read a study in the last year that tracked the consequences of having it readily available without a prescription. What they found out was that there was a slight increase in sales, but it was so slight as to be almost statistically inconsequential. Opponents had said there would be a huge upsurge in use once it was available without a prescription, and that was not the case. At the same time, reports of unwanted pregnancies did go down, though not by a huge amount. The study concluded that the majority of women who used it were ones who would have used it anyway, only they would have had to go to a doctor to get it before. Since there is a small window of opportunity in which it can be taken, the study concluded that not having to go through a doctor made it a more viable option, since some women cannot get in to see a doctor right away. The other thing they found out was that some women are very afraid to face a doctor and ask for a prescription of this kind. They are simply not comfortable discussing it. It is much easier if they can just go in and buy it if they need it.

Answer 4

I don't agree with whoever said it was an abortion because the morning after pill prevents pregnancies not terminates them.

As for the new law, I think people will just continue to have unprotected sex and be promiscuous because they can run to the pharmacy and grab a pill so they won't get pregnant. I agree that it should be available in cases of rape and incest but not just for everyday use to the general public.

Answer 5

Well I think its good for people who don't want children yet (ex, Married couples, partners) It is also good for rape victims too. But I can't say it is promoting promiscuity because then I would have to argue down why condoms and 100's of other preventative items promotes promiscuity. But I am glad that it is on the market though. Don't get me wrong I love kids I have two of my own, but I don't want any more any time soon.

Answer 6

well for one i took it and it screwed up my female cycle. Now i am unable to have children without doctors help. So take it at your own risk and for the question about promiscuous actions, kids will get it one way or another, it does not matter if it is over the counter. Because plan parent hood hands it out like candy and condoms.

Answer 7

I completely agree with it the last thing i want to do is wait for a pill, i think it will bring the abortion rate down as well, along with teen pregnancy cuz you better believe i would buy a 17 yr old the pill.

Answer 8

I am very much in favor of the morning after pill being available over the counter. I doubt that it will significantly increase promiscuity but it certainly promises to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies.

Answer 9

Plan B PREVENTS pregnancy. It is a contraceptive. Remind people to check the facts.

Answer 10

I think it will only be another way of letting people run wild having sex knowing there is a safe guard that will some how excuse their promiscuous behavior. I think it is a horrible idea. God help us all.

Answer 11

i agree with hospitals and doctors having it. it could be good but are girls just not going to care about using a condom because the could just go get the pill.