The biggest issue of relevance in the new election is the distribution of contraceptives, specifically birth control, throughout the middle and low class economies. Through economics and civil rights Gerhart reports that most conservatives and catholic churches believe women are using birth control as “an ordinary prescription” and an accepted “social behavior” rather than a last resort method. Most people are taking advantage of the governments resources through the intentional uses of birth control. However Planned Parenthood’s president, Cecile Richards, said argued during a rally in Austin: “Somehow in this country, in 2012, this election might turn on whether women should have access to birth control.”
This controversial topic stems from a simple amendment in the Constitution (as a violation of the separation of church and state), who are we (The government and fellow Americans) to say who should receive birth control and who shouldn’t? This article argues a qualifying argument by giving examples of those who are against this argument and those who agree with this argument. Gerhart explains the underlying issue that, “Our freedoms of choice are slowly disappearing. The government is telling us what light bulbs to use, what kind of cars to drive, what to eat and what kind of health care is required.” This article gave me a more in depth reasoning on how the government is affecting the lives of the average American citizen. The complexity of this issue can not be understood if a change agent isn’t created, to bridge the gap between the wealthy and the poor.
We must be the change we want to see.
Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/birth-control-as-election-issue-why/2012/02/17/gIQASW6kPR_story.html
Photo: http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/p/popualtion_control.asp
