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Jada Williams

Professor Deb Steele

English Composition II

11 December 2020

Why should minors should have access to birth control without parental consent?

“Birth control is the first important step woman must take toward the goal of her

freedom. It is the first step she must take to be a man’s equal. It is the first step they must both

take toward human emancipation” (Margaret Sanger). “Birth control (contraception) is any

method, medicine, or device used to prevent pregnancy” (OASH, 2019). Overall, there are four

methods of birth control: Hormonal, Lifestyles, Barrier, and Medical (Kassel, 2021). All four

methods produce the same major effect that it was originally designed for... pregnancy

prevention.

Each method contains diverse types of birth control which contains different benefits or

side effects anywhere from preventing acne, gaining weight, and menstrual cycle regulation,

boosting self-esteem (Kassel, 2021). The hormonal birth control includes some IUD’s, the shot,

patch, implant, vaginal ring, and the pill (Kassel, 2021). Lifestyle birth control is but not limited

to abstinence, oral sex, and being educated on reproduction. Barrier contraceptive creates a

barrier preventing sperm from encountering fertilized eggs such as condoms (Kassel,

2021). Lastly, medical birth control is a surgical procedure which either cuts or ties

a women's fallopian tubes. Some contraceptives prevent the body from going through its natural

cycle of releasing fertilized eggs while some prevent sperm from being released but that is only

one of the many beneficial factors of birth control. Young women should have access to birth
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control without parent consent if they so choose. Birth control prevents anemia, regulates

menstrual cycle, reduces acne, lowers chances of ovarian cancer, and promotes success while

also giving them control of them control of their own bodies.

There are 7 types of Anemia, one being iron deficiency that is a lack of iron on someone's

body which stems from not enough red blood cells which decreases the amount of oxygen in

one’s body (Mayo Clinic, 2021). Anemia has many side effects such as constantly being cold,

fatigue, irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, etc... (Mayo Clinic, 2021). Many times, an iron

supplement is given to attempt to balance and add the iron needed to allow your body to function

properly but for women birth control is also an option (Mayo Clinic, 2021). Birth control is a

menstrual cycle regulator which is extremely beneficial for women with low iron because their

cycle can be highly irregular from the flow, cramps, or duration (Mayo Clinic, 2021). During a

menstrual cycle of someone with this type of deficiency there is a massive loss of red blood cells

which in turn aids the anemia to worsen. At a certain age young women will begin making

choices for themselves and birth control should be one of them.

Period regulation is a plus for many women whether they are anemic or not. Having an

irregular menstrual cycle can be unfortunate and painful for many women. A regular cycle

occurs every 28 days (about 4 weeks), during the cycle a woman bleeds for a few days. The

blood released contains a lining that was attached to the uterus preparing to fertilize an egg to

encourage pregnancy (Cleveland Clinic, 2019). During the days in which the lining is being shed

the uterus begins contracting resulting in painful cramps (Cleveland Clinic, 2019). Because the

body is preparing for pregnancy for 28 days all parts of the reproductive systems become

sensitive which can be highly uncomfortable.

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Many hormonal birth control types contain active and inactive estrogen pills. The

inactive pills are usually the last pills taken in the month which many women refer to as “period

pills,” while taking these pills a women can except her period to begin. Other forms of hormonal

birth control have 3 months rather than 1 month of active pills which prevents a woman from

going through the cycle for that time (Cleveland Clinic, 2019). Besides being sexually active

menstrual cycle regulation is the next biggest reason that women use birth control and for young

women to have that control over their body is encouraged. Young women should not need

parental consent to regulate a natural phase that only she is experiencing.

As girls begin to go through puberty their body goes through many changes both

physically and mentally, but physical changes occur first such as nipple growth, pubic hair,

defined breast/hips, and acne (Berger, 312). One of the biggest physical changes is the

development of acne which is not always located on the face but on the chest and back as well.

The appearance or even the thought of acne can cause major self-esteem issues. Body hair and

acne can be a result of an excessive amount of testosterone in a woman body (Freeland, 2019).

Hormonal birth control increases estrogen in the body which decreases the amount of sebum that

a women's pores produce which in turn can either prevent or lessen active acne (Freeland, 2019).

Freeland states that the acne will get worse as it begins to clear up, which will only take about 2-

3 months. Birth control is a safer and quicker option than other medication used to reduce acne

and is usually prescribed before other medications with harsh effects such as Accutane (Freeland,

2019). Pregnancy prevention is just one of the many effects from birth control but, building self-

esteem is a massive benefit.

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If given the chance to take birth control to prevent cancer, would you? Hormonal

contraceptives can help prevent one of the tenth most common cancers for women, an invasive

disease on the female reproduction system (Mayo Clinic, 2021). Though birth control does have

some dangerous effects, the rates in which cancer prevention is achieved is astounding. Ovarian

cancer is an abundance of cancerous cells that grow within ovaries and can spread throughout the

body damaging the remaining healthy tissue which can be fatal or cause infertility (Mayo Clinic,

2021). There are three types of Ovarian cancer with several intervals that can either increase or

decrease risk of exposure (Mayo Clinic, 2021).

To treat such an aggressive cancer surgery and chemotherapy is necessary but, the

chances of contracting Ovarian cancer can be decreased by 50% with the use of birth control for

5 or more years (Mayo Clinic, 2021). There are many factors that put women at risk for this type

of cancer including old age, never being pregnant, inheriting, and starting menstruation at in

early age (Mayo Clinic, 2021). Although there are no causes for this type of cancer but the

factors that can either increase or decrease one's chances of contracting it are expanding. Young

women should have the opportunity to protect themselves from it without receiving parental

consent because it is their body, and they would be who suffered the consequences not the

parents.

Having access to free birth control aids in success for many teens. After Colorado women

were given the opportunity to access inexpensive or even free birth control graduation rate rose.

Many students have left school before graduating for many reasons including unplanned

pregnancy or even self-esteem issues but, after the chance of receiving birth control 14% of kids

that leave high school stayed in (Brundin 2021). While entering teenage years, young women

crave trust that they believe they should be given from their parents. Birth control should always
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be accessible for young women to teach them at a youthful age that they should always have

control over their bodies. Information from a U.S. Census showed that more than 170,000

women’s lives enhanced while using birth control because it promotes many opportunities

(Brundin 2021). With unlimited access to birth control abortion rates decrease while education,

careers, and self-esteem increase.

Does prescribing birth control to young women promote sexual activity? The American

Civil Liberties Union says that allowing teenagers to get birth control without parental consent

put the teens at risk. Not allowing teens to have the right of receiving birth control can increase

the changes of them being sexually active along with any other activities that may be risking

because of the lack of trust (ACLU). The ACLU says that teens who have access to condoms of

their own choice are less likely to engage in sexual activity than those who are not given access.

47% of teenagers that are sexually active would stop receiving contraceptives if they had to get

parental permission and 12% would stop getting checked for STD’s (ACLU).

Young women develop quickly as puberty begins which increases their curiosity about

sexual activity and their own body because their hypothalamus begins sending hormones to the

adrenals producing sex hormones (Berger, 312). In some cases, young girls will begin

experimenting during high school and with a safety net such a birth control it can be done safely

without much fear of repercussions. In a case that a young woman has intention on becoming

sexually active she is more likely to open up about her thoughts and feelings to her doctors rather

than parents when taking the necessary precautions. Parental consent should not be required to

obtain contraceptives because the chances of a minor asking her parents for permission is slim to

none. The safest option for both young women and their parents is to allow access to birth

control.
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Birth control does have some dangerous side effects along with the benefits. In many

cases an Obstetrician will prescribe the contraceptives, but Dr. Felice Gersh (obgyn) refuses to

prescribe the birth control pill. Gersh says women should not take the birth control pill because

the hormones are not real hormones but chemicals that are meant to mimic them. No brand of the

birth control pill does not contain any type of natural hormones (Gersh, 2018). Women should

not be taking the birth control pill, especially young women because the level of toxicity can

cause major side effects such as kidney disease, insulin resistance, heart disease, and even

dementia (Gersh, 2018). The number of side effects that still from birth control are rising and no

women should disrupt her natural bodily function by ingesting them. Gersh says, “Effective

contraceptives are surely needed, but sacrificing female health is not an option - not now AND

not ever!”

In at least half of the states in the U.S, parental consent is required for contraceptives

through family doctors or obstetrician gynecologists. Throughout the other half of the country,

minor consent is also required meaning a parent cannot force a minor to use contraceptives.

Minors due have access to planned parenthood services which is protected by confidentiality

which prevents parents from being aware of their child’s visits (Planned Parenthood, 2021).

Planned Parenthood is extremely underrated and usually recognized for providing abortions

which has led to a mass amount of defunding. Many of the services provided by planned

parenthood are necessary and lifesaving.

Planned parenthood is a safe place to women of all ages which offers a variety of testing.

The Papanicolaou test which is a test all women must regularly get after age 21 which screens

for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and cancerous cells (Planned Parenthood, 2021). STI

testing, breast exams, contraceptives, and emergency contraceptives are offered as well. Even
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though there are over 500 planned parenthood health facilities around the U.S young women

should be comfortable and able to receive the same care at a facility of their choice not just a one

organization.

In conclusion, young women should have access to birth control without parental consent

because it is their body, and they should have a right to control what is ingested and/or

prevented. Birth control does have dangerous effects but also has very beneficial factors. As

women mature, they understand what is right and wrong while also becoming in tune with their

bodies. If birth control was something a young women decided she wanted to use knowing both

the benefits and side effects she should be given the opportunity to make that decision alone and

without having to disclose her private information to her parents which in turn could have a bad

effect. Young women can prevent or less anemia, reduce acne, regulate their menstrual cycle,

prevent ovarian cancer, and boost their self-esteem while also being successful with access to

birth control.
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Works Cited

“Anemia.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 8 Sept.

2021, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-

20351360. 

“Birth Control Methods.” Birth Control Methods | Office on Women's Health, 14 Feb.

2019, https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/birth-control-methods. 

Brundin, Jenny. “CU Boulder Study Finds That Better Access to Birth Control Boosts High

School Graduation Rates.” Colorado Public Radio, Colorado Public Radio, 8 May

2021, https://www.cpr.org/2021/05/08/cu-boulder-study-finds-that-better-access-to-birth-

control-boosts-high-school-graduation-rates/. 

Freeland, Megan N. “Birth Control Pills to Treat Acne: When Is It a Good Option?

- GoodRx.” The  GoodRx  Prescription Savings Blog, 4 Sept.

2020, www.goodrx.com/blog/birth-control-pills-to-treat-acne-recommendations-

guidelines/. 

“How to Prevent Ovarian Cancer: Oral Contraceptives & Ovarian Cancer.” American Cancer

Society, 11 Apr. 2018, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/causes-risks-

prevention/prevention.html. 

Kassel, Gabrielle. “How to Figure out the Best Birth Control Method for Your

Lifestyle.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 10 Nov.

2021, https://www.healthline.com/health/birth-control/methods. 

“Normal Menstruation (Monthly Period): Menstrual Cycle & Symptoms.” Cleveland Clinic, 25

Aug. 2019, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10132-normal-menstruation. 
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“Ovarian Cancer.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 31 Aug.

2021, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cancer/symptoms-

causes/syc-20375941. 

Parenthood, Planned. “12 Types of Birth Control.” Planned Parenthood of the Pacific

Southwest, Inc., 7 Dec. 2015, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-

pacific-southwest/blog/12-types-of-birth-control. 

“Preventing Teenagers from Getting Contraceptives Unless They Tell a Parent Puts Teens at

Risk.” American Civil Liberties Union, https://www.aclu.org/other/preventing-teenagers-

getting-contraceptives-unless-they-tell-parent-puts-teens-risk. 

“Products - Data Briefs - Number 388- October 2020.” Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 Oct.

2020, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db388.htm. 

This Is Who We Are - Planned Parenthood.

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/uploads/filer_public/2d/e1/2de1e14c-9bce-46b8-

94f5-d57de80f1a3d/210210-fact-sheet-who-we-are-p01.pdf.