The pill is a hormone capsule taken daily by more than 3.1 million women in England. While it is often used as a contraceptive, it is also used for many other reasons. Despite many women using the pill to regulate periods, reduce acne, treat migraines and avoid painful cramps, the assumption remains that the pill is used solely to prevent pregnancy.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with using the pill as a contraceptive, as it works very effectively and is seen to be quite a simple method. However, the stigma surrounding girls and women using the pill has caused the subject to become taboo and made young girls and women feel embarrassed when being prescribed or speaking about it.
Ava Thomsen, a PV alum, said, “Women’s rights are changing, which means birth control is easier to access, and people are afraid to let women make their own decisions regarding childbirth and families.”
Another factor that affects the discussion of birth control is a lack of education. Although many girls learn about it holistically as it is a necessity for many of them or their female friends, boys and men lack an understanding of what it is used for and make inaccurate and harmful assumptions about young women using the pill, assuming they “get around” or have “loose morals”.
Written by Pippa Seager
Artwork by Mrishana
