The Center for Reproductive Rights states that, as of now, no state or federal laws require minors to get parental consent for contraceptives. This requirement poses the question; at what age should girls have access to birth control without parental consent? According to the Center for Disease Control, the most common source of birth control is ‘the pill’ with 16% of women ages fifteen to forty-four are currently taking it.

Furthermore, according to the  CDC, “in the age range of 15-44, 77.7%” have used some form of female contraception..” Birth control is not only used to stop the production of eggs, but it also serves many functions for women. According to WebMD, the pill can be used to regulate women’s menstrual cycles.

‘The pill’ can also ease premenstrual dysphoric disorder, PMDD, which causes severe cramps, migraines, fatigue, bloating, and body pains before the period comes. In some cases, girls as young as twelve years old experience these symptoms.

Although ‘the pill’ is an effective medicine that helps girls and women with severe conditions of PMDD and acne, According to Kristine Tucker, a clinical psychologist, “When you give a teenager birth control, you’re condoning sexual behavior, without knowing whether your teen has a healthy relationship — outside of sex — with the other person.” Although this statement might not be true for all parents and teens, some people do believe that birth control is a way to authorize sexual activity amongst teens.

Not only do some people agree with that argument about contraceptives, others believe there are health risks involved. According to The BBC’s ethics section, “contraception increases health risks because it makes it more likely that people will have multiple sexual partners. This increases the risk of individuals catching sexually transmitted diseases, and increases the opportunities for such diseases to spread in the population.”

Birth control has negative side effects on the body as well. According to Medical News Today, intermenstrual spotting is a side effect that can cause an unexpected period around the first months of taking the pill. It can occur more frequently the longer ‘the pill’ is taken. Other side effects are nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, weight gain, and mood swings.

Looking at the pros and cons that are presented about ‘the pill’, the main question still stands: at what age should young girls have access to birth control without parental consent?

– Mahogany Miles