There's a story in todays Independent about the prospects of having a male pill.
It's been researched for over 15 years now but still nothing has been released to the public.
There's the health argument (nobody knows the side effects for individuals) and there's the social argument (men can't be trusted to take the pill).
I think both these arguments are pretty poor, women have been taking the pill for about 40 years, and the health effects are still being debated (cause/prevent cancer?) but it is so much easier for women to "take care" of the issue of contraception. It is still a "woman's issue". Well, men can have children too! Albeit they can't actually give birth, but I like the idea that in a responsible relationship you both take control of contraception.
Many long term couples rely on the pill or the injection as a form of contraception, and ultimately it is the woman's responsibility. Therefore, if she gets pregnant it's her fault. Balancing the responsibility will be a huge step forward for sex. Imagine, not only will it be queues of 16 year old girls at the family planning centre, there will be boys too!
Boys will get the baby/period/contraception talk as much as girls. It wont neccessarily be a closed door conversation between girls and women.
The whole "men won't take it" argument is pathetic I'd trust my partner to take it, as much as he trusts me-but clearly we all still perpetuate the idea that contraception is a women's issue and men are just dithering, forgetful dunces who need a helping hand.
I'm not saying that in all contexts this would be appropriate, but I do think in many situations it would be great. What do you think?
2006-08-22 @ 12:18