Teenage girls are entitled to contraceptives as well as boys

Our government entitles teenage boys to condoms, even when they are underage. However, Obama has supported U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius who blocked access of Plan B, or the morning after pill, to girls under age 17 in 2011. Both condoms and Plan B are preventative measures that responsible sexually active people take in order to avoid pregnancies. Why then, is there an injustice planted in our federal government?

The morning after pill is FDA approved and safe for teenagers to use. Some opposition comes from confusing this pill with the abortion pill (RU-486). However, in reality, Plan B is close in its chemical makeup to birth control pills, containing a higher amount of progestin (a female hormone) than do birth control pills. Whereas abortion pills end pregnancies, Plan B just avoids them, like any other contraceptive is supposed to function.

Thankfully, not everyone in power wants women to forego their rights. U.S. District Judge Edward Korman has ordered that Plan B must be available as an over-the-counter drug, rather than a prescription drug for all women within 30 days.

Teenagers have sex — ignoring this will not make it go away. Instead of refusing to admit that teeagers need to have access to safe contraceptive options, our government has tried to put barriers between them. Instead of making teenage girls feel guilty and embarrassed about sex, we need to educate them about safe and smart options if they choose to engage in sexual behaviors, because ultimately it is their choice.