46 Years Later...Griswold v. Connecticut

Although June 7th was the anniversary of Griswold v. Connecticut, we find ourselves still fighting the same battle-46 years later. People often take contraceptive access for granted, and have never known a world without readily available birth control. However, many individuals still live in this world of little or no access. We must remember that real education about life (i.e., R.E.A.L.) is critical to knowledge, prevention, and empowerment, but it is not the only piece of the puzzle we call sexual health and family planning. Access to reproductive health care is just as critical. Even though the landmark decision mentioned above ensured the right to privacy within a marriage, women all across America are continually subjected to assaults on their personal lives. Contraceptives are not accessible to large segments of the population, and many women are forced to choose between birth control and necessities like groceries. Reproductive freedom and health is not seen as a need but rather as a want. This battle has become increasingly public, and with each passing day, a different state legislature starts an attack on women’s health and wellness.


As Oklahomans, we are no strangers to these attacks. Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma was denied Title X funding years ago, and although this federal funding does not provide abortion care with federal tax dollars, the connection seems to get lost in legislative turmoil. In the most basic language, Title X provides free or reduced cost contraceptives and reproductive healthcare to low income individuals. This should be a number one priority for those who are pro-life or against elective abortion. If you can prevent pregnancy in the first place, where is the need for abortion? Where is the need for this never-ending debate over when life begins? While not all unwanted pregnancies can be stopped before they begin, a large number could be averted with more accessible contraception.

How is the Griswold decision being respected and followed if many American women cannot access-better yet afford-a birth control method of their choice? When so many US residents are without healthcare and many insurance plans refuse to cover contraceptives, what’s a woman to do? Is it the monthly prescription or the baby’s diapers? Of course they will choose the diapers, which inevitably puts the woman in a pregnancy situation all over again. In this vicious cycle, those who cannot afford birth control end up with a child that they definitely cannot afford. Additionally, many women feel forced to choose a method with negative side effects simply due to cost. The key word here is method of her CHOICE. A woman should not be relegated to taking pills that make her sick simply because the alternative is $50 more. ALL methods need to be cost effective and available to each and every American who needs contraception.

So as we move further into the 21st century, let’s reflect on that decision from four decades ago. How much has changed? How far have we really come? There is still plenty of work to be done, and as we push forward, let’s remember that reproductive healthcare IS basic healthcare. You will find an article below from the Women’s Health Policy Report. Its shining moment is the following quotation: ‘"Family planning involves providing women with the information and resources they need to have children when they want," noting that it "often is the absence of family planning that results in women considering the option of abortion"’. By giving women the power to control their reproductive lives, you change a country’s overall health. This is road to success, and women will lead the way if we give them the opportunity.

http://www.nationalpartnership.org/site/News2?abbr=daily2_&page=NewsArticle&id=29066&security=1201&news_iv_ctrl=-1

Season 3, Episode 1 (Jordan)

Intro: This episode focuses on Jordan, her twin sister Jess and her boyfriend Brian. Jordan and Jess are models and live with their grandparents. Her grandma lectures her about being pregnant, and rushing into a physical relationship with her boyfriend. “Sex is for reproduction,” she says. Jordan rolls her eyes and points out that it’s a bit too late to be having this discussion.

Fact Check: This is an attitude a lot of people have. Unfortunately it doesn’t address the reality that people have sex for many reasons, not just to reproduce. Being honest about this is a good way to begin talking to your parents or children about sex. Jordan has a point that waiting until someone is pregnant to have the conversation does no one any good.
 
A Big Surprise: Jordan and Brian talk about their relationship. Jordan was on pill when she got pregnant, but admits in the after show that she had been “careless” about taking them. Brian says “I don’t remember what you look like not pregnant!” and points out that Jordan has been pregnant for most of the relationship. Both agree that if they could do things over, they would still want a child together, but that they would choose to wait a lot longer, maybe “4 years…. 7 years.” Brian is also giving up going away to college to attend a community college close by.

Family Problems: Jordan’s twin sister Jessica feels jealous that Brian is taking up so much of her sister’s time. Until recently they had done everything together, and Jessica has a hard time adjusting to the fact that those days are over. Jordan spends a lot of time trying to make sure both of them get along. She also has to deal with being stuck at home while Jess goes out more often with her friends, doing normal things going to prom and the pool. One scene shows an unpleasant side-effect of pregnancy: Jordan getting morning sickness. She also has back pain.

Push it! Jordan’s labor takes over 7 hours, but she delivers a health baby boy, Noah. Both new parents are unprepared for how much care the new baby needs. Jordan says she expected to be woken up a few times during the night, not that she would be getting hardly any sleep at all. Noah cries and spits up so much Jordan suspects something is wrong. She takes him to the hospital and finds out he has acid reflux disease, which is quite common in babies. The doctors give Noah medication and send him home.

What Happens Next: Months later, Noah still has problems with acid reflux and is still on medication. Jordan experiences all the stress of being a new mom. Since Brian is away so much going to class or at work, she he relies on her sister to help take care of Noah, and has become an expert in changing diapers. At times Jordan is envious of Jess who is still free to go out with her friends. She says she wants more children someday, but for now plans to be on birth control “for a very long time”.

(my always opinionated analysis of this episode, coming up next...)

Coming Soon

Is there anything MTV loves more than teenagers getting pregnant? We hope so, but the amount of shows dealing with the topic might give you pause. I know we all watch these shows on occasion, and that we also wonder how realistic they are in dealing with the many thorny issues surrounding teens and sexuality, pregnancy and real life afterwards. Can shows like these be educational as well as entertaining, or do they only perpetuate stereotypes and false information?

We're curious too. So, to answer these burning questions (and more!!), I am offering up my valuable services as a scathing (and thoughtful) critic to review episodes of shows like "16 and Pregnant" and "Teen Mom". The first review should be posted soon. This will be an ongoing feature, so be sure to check back regularly for new posts. Is it possible to get accurate information about sex from MTV? We don't know either, but can't wait to find out!