Many of the educational and economic opportunities women enjoy today are the result of having full access to birth control. Each year The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy hosts Thanks, Birth Control Day to invite people to share how contraception has changed their lives.
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In 1972 contraception became legal for single folks to use available methods. (Before then, only married couples could.) This year the organization is celebrating its twentieth anniversary—and a 48 percent decline in the teen pregnancy rate over the past two decades.
“Deciding if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant is arguably one of the most important life decisions a woman will make,” says Ginny Ehrlich, who is the CEO of The National Campaign. “Since birth control has been made widely available, there has been a staggering increase in women’s wages, an increase in female college graduates and [an improvement] in family well-being.”
Get involved in the #thxbirthcontrol movement:
PRACTICE
Nearly 50 percent of pregnancies are unplanned, which could have a lifelong impact on mother and baby. Stay in the driver’s seat by committing to a birth control practice that works for your lifestyle. Sexual intercourse without contraception can lead to pregnancy. Visit bedsider.com to explore your many options.
PLEDGE
Being able to consult a trusted adult about sex drastically affects the likelihood of a young woman becoming pregnant. Take the online pledge at care2.com (click on”Petitions” and search for “Let’s Talk About Birth Control”) to speak with a young person about options. We can be the difference.
POST
Eighty percent of adults agree that if more people were comfortable discussing contraception, then more people would use it. Share how birth control has changed your life using the hashtag #thxbirthcontrol.