When the Right Wing Comes for Your Contraceptives,

[MineralMan]

I suggest that women get ahead of them and consider a contraceptive implant like Nexplanon. It's covered by most health insurance, and works for at least three years, with some saying up to 5 years. If you want to make sure you avoid an unwanted pregnancy, it's probably the best option, but you'll have to act before they actually ban contraception.

Men have other options they can use to make sure they don't cause pregnancies, but women should not depend on men for their own protection. There are just too many out there who don't give a damn about women or actively hate women. And they're supported by a growing movement of conservatives who want women to get and stay pregnant.

This is not an immediate need, but may be a real need in the not too distant future. Keep an eye on what's going on, and be prepared.

I'm sorry to have to write this. Very sorry.

[Butterflylady]

1. Tried to warn them,

But they don't see it as a problem until it happens.

[MineralMan]

3. Some see the danger. Others need to be warned.

There's still time. However, being ever watchful is a wise thing to do.

Get what you need while you can. That's always the key to survival.

[CrispyQ]

2. Shelf life of condoms from Google.

They require no special storage conditions. Condoms are perishable. With proper storage, male condoms remain effective for three years to five years, depending on the manufacturer and according to national policy. Female condoms have a shelf life of five years.

Hmmm. I thought the shelf life was longer. So basically we take back the country next time or birth control will become more & more difficult to obtain. Those two panel pics of Afghanistan women back in the 70s vs today come to mind.

[MineralMan]

4. For the long term, we need to change leadership.

That's the only real solution. Short-term planning, though, is often needed. I can see it being needed in this particular area before too long. Within the next couple of years, I'd think.

[Hope22]

5. Young people will go to sterilization.

I know a young pregnant woman who says that if she has a c-section she wants her tubes tied at that time. No more babies regardless of the outcome here. She says she will not live in a country without birth control. I think the outcome for the country will suffer when suddenly, educated people stop having babies. We Can’t fill jobs as it is!

[orwell]

6. Best contraception...

...stop having sex with anyone.

Become a celibate Opus Dei flagellate.

That is what the "X"tian purity police really wants.

Of course, non-consensual rape by Rapist 45/7, and his cabinet of Bond villains is perfectly okay as it is "purifying the blood."

Ubermensch and all that...

Just move along citizen, nothing to see here...

[oregonjen]

7. Unwanted side effects occur with birth control, which is why there are so many kinds and different doses

Old white men who are not medically trained have no idea, but they think they can make these decisions for those with reproductive organs.

[MineralMan]

8. As with all things medical, do your research before jumping on board.

[oregonjen]

9. Wasn't pointing my finger at you dear MineralMan, just in general at the unfortunate powers that be.

[MineralMan]

10. I know. Yes, there are issues with all medication-based contraceptives.

Still, millions and millions of women have used them since the mid-1960s.

All contraceptives are threatened, including the old barrier methods. A long-term method, like the single-hormone implants may just be the best bet if things get weird.

Abstinence, of course, is foolproof, but there are people out there who will use force. That's very dangerous, as well.

There is no single answer, as always.

I brought up the implants because they are useful for years, are not detectable without close examination, and can be implanted at any time. Reversal is just as easy. Not for everyone, I suppose, but it's an option that might be practical and preferable for many women.

Right now, Nexplanon is very popular with parents of high school and college age girls and women. It's simple, effective, and generally well-tolerated. You also don't have to do anything on a daily basis or when in need, so it's less likely to fail if you're distracted or intoxicated. Relying on condoms, sadly, puts the responsibility on men, which are often not wise places on which to hang responsibility.