Grier, Kelsey: Teens and Contraception

The article by Misty Dawson, titled “Parents Prefer Some, Often Less-Effective, Birth Control Methods for Teens,” is all about parent’s preferences on teen birth control. It states that many parents prefer their daughters to use birth control pills and condoms over IUDs. There are a few reasons parents may want their teen daughters to use birth control pills or condoms, one reason being the IUDs have a bad history in the United States. IUDs caused the death of many women and permanent damage to others including infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease. Another reason parents may want their daughters to not use IUDs is that they view it as a long term contraceptive measure and worry about what effect it will have on their daughter’s choice later in life, such as having children. The article also explains that there are many other more effective contraceptive devices available, such as implants. These other contraceptives last for a substantial period of time and dramatically reduce unplanned pregnancies.

          The next article is written by Charles Bankhead, titled “IUDs, Implants Best Teen Birth Control, ACOG Says,” is about the effectiveness of IUDs. The article explores the attitude toward long term contraceptives. More women actually prefer long term contraceptives, not to mention that these options are more effective than the short term choices. Women tend to like long term contraceptive choices, because they are reversible and don’t have to be used every day.

          Both articles share the opinion that IUDs and other long-term contraceptives are a beneficial option and that these choices can lower unintended pregnancies. A contrast between the two articles does exist, the first article by Misty Dawson explores the attitudes of parents towards long term contraceptives and the second article explores the attitudes of women towards long term contraceptives. The first article makes it clear that parents are resistant to allow their daughters to use long term contraceptives. The second article shows that women tend to prefer long term contraceptives, mainly due to lower unintended pregnancies. Even with these differences both article share the view that IUD’s and other long term contraceptives are something women should look into.