The pill: it’s complicated
A Polarizing Little Pill
There has been a lot of conversation around the recent National Geographic article discussing safety of the birth control pill.
The topic of safety came up during a local reproductive health panel this spring that I participated in. When the moderator asked us if the pill is safe, I honestly froze. It gave me pause because it is so important to be thoughtful about how we approach this discussion.
It is complex and can be polarizing. People who struggle with the pill’s side effects often feel dismissed by their providers when they raise concerns. And folks with positive experiences on the pill sometimes feel judged for taking it!
When people ask what the best form of contraception is, I say that there isn’t one. What is “best” for my needs and goals may be very different than what is “best” for the person next to me…
