Opravy

The issues of unwanted pregnancy and abortion are controversial matters that involve personal decisions since it confronts religion, values and beliefs along with tough economic situations, a considerable lack of education and violence.

In Argentina, the abortion is legal in rare situations.

Particularly I think that emergency contraception, is a safe method to avoid an unwanted pregnancy without the need to perform an abortion way.

However, I believe this method should not be used by people who do not have all the necessary information and, above all, should not be abused, since this is not a routine method.

Society -by this I mean both males and females- should receive more education on birth control and planned parenthood.

In our country, since 2002, women have an extra option to prevent an unwanted pregnancy: a hormonal emergency contraception.

It can be used the same day or you may have up to five days after sex to take the pill and still prevent pregnancy, depending on how close you are to ovulating.

And, even when most gynecologist don't mention it, and your health-care service doesn't reach to you with this information, you can get the pill for free in any primary care centers or hospital across the country.

Since 2003 -National Law 25.673- this method is included in the Compulsory Medical Program, therefore all women of fertile age who have prepaid or social health care, may claim it without paying a dime.

According to national statistics, since the pill is an option the number of illegal abortions has been reduced significantly.

If anything, this reveals that many do not care for neither safe sex or an effective method as birth control pills for daily use and/or preservative.

These statics also show the lack of sexual education, misinformation, the difficulty of some women to demand their partners to use a condom and the resistance of some men to do so, which exposes both young and adults to an unplanned pregnancy.

The emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy before it begins, and works exclusively by delaying or inhibiting ovulation; it does not cause an abortion.

Nevertheless, and even when it has been approved by the World Health Organization, the International Federation of Planned Parenthood and most regulatory health agencies, the Catholic Church condemned the use of morning after pills as falling "within the sin of abortion," and thus being "gravely immoral." In addition, the emergency contraception does not solve the deeper problems that have contributed to having an untimely pregnancy—problems such as low self-esteem, sexual exploitation, improper sexual behavior, lack of education or guidance.

In fact, the use of this method can compound these problems.

In a society that punish victims, guilt can be a lethal weapon.

Finally, I believe that this debate is pending in our society: Emergency birth control method.

It is controversial and complex, since it reveals a reality we may not be ready to confront...

The diversity of voices certainly enriches, we need both women and men, as much as couples, to talk about this: this are our bodies, our future and our wonderful ability to give life, to do it responsibly, for ourselves and for our fellowman.