Sydney Haselden

Mr. Thompson
English 1301-27
October 14, 2016
Birth Control
Puberty is without a doubt the worst time of anyone life, its the point in our lives where
we realize what little control we actually possess over our own body chemistry. For girls, its
more than just growing hair and body odor, there is a whole chemical and hormonal balancing
act to consider. This sudden invasion of new hormones and chemicals roves to be very
overwhelming for any woman. Thus birth control was invented, not only as a contraceptive for
unwanted pregnancies, but also as a hormonal aid for those in need. I believe girls under the age
of seventeen should be trusted with birth control without needing prescription because it will
teach them responsibility over their own body, advocate for safe sex, and aid in the
hormonal/chemical warfare raging on within them.
By giving girls the opportunity to take birth control without a prescription, we are
introducing them to the responsibility of a period as well as giving girls the chance to take
control over all the uncertainty. The second a young girl gets her period it feels as if her body is
being thrown at the mercy of science and mother nature. There is no preparation for your period
so that feeling of complete lack of control remains until they fall into a routine. Birth control is
introduced to woman as a guidance to help them fall into that routine, and to help become better
prepared the additional baggage that comes along with a period. However, birth control is proven
to be a big responsibility since it is a drug not to be taken lightly, oral contraceptives bring with
them some tiny risks, especially if used improperly (Rosenthal). However, birth control has
been proven to be safer because they contain lower doses of estrogen (Rosenthal) unlike most
over the counter medicines that could cause serious damages if taken out of moderation. If

introduce birth control at a younger age we will not only increase awareness and responsibility
among young girls, but also prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Birth Control is a potential way to improve contraceptive access and use, and possibly
decrease the unintended pregnancy rate (Rosenthal). Aside from abstinence, public health
education is teaching little to nothing in terms of safe sex. However, this is a problem not only
for young girls but also for minority women and those who are low-income, aged 1824 face
the highest rates of unintended pregnancy and could benefit particularly from increased access to
contraceptives (Barot). By providing OTC contraceptives such as birth control, we are
providing an inexpensive, easily accessible solution to a growing issue among women.
Additionally, birth control provides several supplementary benefits to a woman such as
regulating their period, clearing acne, and aiding in hormonal fluctuations.
Personally, I drew the genetic lotto for the worst PMS symptoms: extreme
cramps, terrible mood swings, and even vomiting on some occasions. By the time I was a junior
in high school it got to the point where my PMS symptoms were becoming alarming sever and
unpredictable, I talked to my doctor and I was diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance called
PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). She recommended that that I be put on birth control
in order to level me off and provide me with the extra hormones I had been missing. Since then,
almost two years later, I can identify a distinct difference in myself from when Im on my pill
than when Im off. I was fortunate enough to have a family who understood my needs and
supported mine, and the doctors decision to be put on birth control. Unfortunately, most girls my
age are not given the option for religious, medicinal, and financial reason. Many parents are
weary to provide birth control to young girls because they are concerned with the health issues
that could potentially derive without the supervision of a doctor. However, studies show that
women can use simple checklists on their own to figure out whether the pill is right for them

(Grossman). By eliminating the need for doctor and parental consent, birth control becomes
available to those that need.
Women of all ages should be provided with over the counter birth control because it
advocates for safe sex, teaches young girls about responsibility, and is proven to be an aid for the
hormonal changes and hormonal deficiencies. To deny any woman the right to take control over
their own body is ridiculous and while birth control does provide some risks the benefits
outweigh the possible consequences.

Work Cited
Barot, Senah. "Moving Oral Contraceptives to Over-the-Counter Status: Policy Versus
Politics." Guttmacher Institute. N.p., 5 Nov. 2015. Web. 14 Oct.
2016.
Grossman, Daniel. "Birth Control Should Not Be Prescription Only." Los Angeles Times.
N.p., 19 June 2015. Web. 10 Oct. 2016.
Rosenthal, Elisabeth. "Is It Time for Off-the-Shelf Birth-Control Pills?" Sunday Review.
N.p., 20 Apr. 2013. Web. 10 Oct. 2016.