Recent studies have revealed that a significant portion of men, 52%, believe that birth control does not benefit them. This response has sparked considerable debate on social media, particularly on Twitter, where users reacted with surprise.
In a society where the burden of child-rearing is often placed on women, it seems counterintuitive that men would dismiss the importance of birth control. After all, without male sperm, pregnancy would not occur, suggesting that both genders should have a vested interest in birth control access.
The Survey Findings
The survey conducted by the polling organization PerryUndem drew attention when Think Progress tweeted that over half of men feel they gain nothing from women’s access to affordable contraceptives. This prompted a wave of feminist reactions, emphasizing that such attitudes reflect a lack of understanding regarding shared reproductive responsibilities. One commenter pointed out that men who believe they don’t benefit from birth control are typically those who only think about their immediate interests. If that logic holds, then women should not have to subsidize male erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra since men rarely face issues in that area.
Age and Attitudes
Interestingly, the survey indicated that older men, particularly those over 60, were the most likely to claim they do not benefit from birth control, with 70% of this group expressing indifference, as they feel unlikely to father any more children.
Concerns About Coverage
Another alarming finding was that only 56% of male respondents wished to maintain the Affordable Care Act’s provision that mandates insurance plans cover birth control without additional costs. A concerning 36% still seemed unconcerned about the implications of losing such coverage. Many women rely on affordable birth control to manage their health and family planning effectively. In fact, 33% of female respondents stated they could only afford to pay $10 or less for birth control if it were not covered, while 14% couldn’t afford anything out of pocket.
If men were made more aware of the financial and health impacts of losing contraception coverage, support for maintaining it might increase. Interestingly, the percentage of men wanting to keep coverage jumped to 64% when they learned that out-of-pocket costs would rise, potentially saving users about $250 annually.
The Need for Education
The need for greater education around women’s health issues, including birth control, is paramount. The lack of awareness among some men indicates a systemic undervaluing of women’s health and their ability to participate fully in society.
Further Resources
For further insights into pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource from the CDC. Additionally, our guide on home insemination kits provides valuable information for those exploring their options. If you’re interested in more about self insemination, visit Make a Mom for authoritative information.
Conclusion
In summary, the survey highlights a concerning disconnect in understanding the benefits of birth control among men. It underscores the need for education and engagement in discussions surrounding reproductive health and shared responsibilities.