On this World Contraception Day, I’d like to give a shout-out to birth control in all its forms. It gives me freedoms to and freedoms from, all of which I appreciate on a daily basis: freedom to determine the size and spacing of my family (one 9-week-old is enough right now, thankyouverymuch), freedom to follow a career trajectory of my choosing, freedom to enjoy sex without worry, freedom from horrendous menstrual cramps (this may seem like a minor inconvenience to some, but please believe it is not), freedom from being perpetually pregnant, freedom from STIs, and freedom from limited social and economic opportunities. Really, the list goes on and on. I owe my independence in large part to birth control.

What does birth control mean to you? Please add your thoughts in the comments section below, and hop on over to Population Council’s website to contribute to their word cloud.

Also be sure to check out these great posts in honor of World Contraception Day:

• World Contraception Day: Myths, Rumors and Rubbish
• Crazy About Contraception (One Way or Another)
• Uncomfortable Conversations in Tanzania
• The Challenges Facing Sierra Leone’s Youth
• Educating Young People About Their Health and Rights
• Family Planning Around a Campfire
• A Few Questions & Answers for World Contraception Day

Categories: Health

Tags: Birth control, Contraception, Family planning, Population Council, Sexually transmitted disease, World Contraception Day