This isn't the first time I've seen this argument, and I'm sure it won't be the last. But something about the way it's phrased here kinda poked my brain with a sharp stick.
Over-the-counter birth control pills could encourage men to prey upon younger girls and dictate their contraceptive choices, according to Janice Shaw Crouse of the Christian activist group Concerned Women for America.
"Any guy who is older and taking advantage of a younger girl could put her on a pill," Crouse said.This really leaves me with only two possible conclusions. Either CWA et al believe that a lack of hormonal BC will prevent men from abusing young women - a dubious notion at best, and with no factual support whatsoever for the idea, I'm calling shenanigans - or they believe an abuse victim is better off abused *and pregnant*, than just abused. (Also, victims of sexual abuse would never have the agency to decide for themselves that they'd rather be protected, and seek out BC themselves.)
Yes, because what a young teen or pre-teen who's being abused needs is an unwanted pregnancy on top of that whole abuse thing. I'm sure that'll be very helpful. Especially considering these asshats are the ones who would then force her to carry and give birth to her abuser's baby. That'll do wonders for the child's mental health, really. "Well, the abuse was discovered when you got pregnant [and theoretically has been stopped]! Hooray! Now it's time to further derail your life by having a baby at 13! Aren't you glad we're here to help you?"
Lucky teens, to have CWA on their side. With friends like these...
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