One way or another, birth control over the years has made a difference in our lives. It’s about far more than preventing pregnancies, birth control has also allowed us to have the flexibility to also plan and space pregnancies, and the results have benefited women, men, children, even society for decades.
According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, 8 in 10 adults agree if more people were comfortable discussing birth control, more people would use it. The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is supporting the national day to say “Thanks, Birth Control” held, as you may be reading this, on Wednesday, November 16th.
“Thanks, Birth Control” day is the perfect time for parents and teens to open that line of communication, and discuss sexual health. They can take advantage of “teachable moments” that happen during a normal day, be it a song on the radio, a movie, a scene on TV, a family situation, or even the internet.
Each one of those possible moments provide the chance to spark a conversation with teens. My own experience as a parent is the conversation doesn’t have to be long or even in depth/ The important thing is just to keep that line of communication open.
New Mexico is headed in the right direction. Earlier this year, NMDOH released data revealing a 57 percent decrease in birthrates among teens ages 15 to 17 between 2000 and 2014 in our state. In that same time period, the teen birth rate for 15 to 19 years olds decreased by 48 percent.
That decrease – fueled in part by birth control - has made so much possible in New Mexico. One of the reasons we can say “Thanks, Birth Control” is because it helps fight poverty and reduces taxpayer burden. Teen childbearing in New Mexico cost taxpayers at least $103 million in 2010, according to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy; for the nation overall, teen childbearing cost taxpayers $9.4 billion.
Birth control for teens and adults alike also potentially leads to more educational and economic opportunities. It even contributes to healthier babies and more stable families.
Everyone is encouraged to share why they would like to thank birth control and hear others’ stories why they would like to thank birth control by adding their comments or videos on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram with the hashtag #ThxBirthControl.
NMDOH provides access to confidential family planning services at low- or no-cost in approximately 70 sites at Public Health Offices, Primary Care Clinics, and School-Based Health Centers across the state. To find a clinic, visit http://nmhealth.org/go/familyplanning/ and for more information on “Thanks, Birth Control” visit http://thenationalcampaign.org/.