After I reported last week that male contraceptives (a vasectomy like plug, or a male version of The Pill) will soon be available, but probably wouldn't catch on, I was called a male bashing "wacky bitch". According to a commenter, men are currently being "held hostage to the whims of the woman" when it comes to sex, and that male contraception means that there will *finally* be shift of power in relationships, one which "favors men". OH! And that women will no longer have the option of "breaking her promise to have an abortion".
Mmmkay, shall we explore why I don't think male contraception will catch on? I mean, besides the fact that tons of women want to be in control of contraception so we can lie about being on The Pill because we're all baby hungry whores. Firstly, yes, there are men who wouldn't lie about being on the pill, and would actually remember to take their Pill the same time every day, like they're supposed to. There are men who would happily take the burden of contraception off of their girlfriends and wives. There are men who wouldn't take advantage of the situation. But forgive me if I think that there are plenty of men who would.
Yes, there are women who will do the same, and have done the same, but I think the general attitude of men is that not getting pregnant is a woman's job. We still have a hard time getting men to use a fucking condom. Yes, it's true, otherwise why are we still promoting the hell out of condoms? Why do adverts like this exist if there's not need for them?
My general feeling, is that even if my husband wanted to go on The Pill, I would say no. I'm on The Pill and I would stay on The Pill because I like my fertility and my body to be MY responsibility. Not that I don't trust my husband, but I like know that I'm in control of what goes on with my body. We have a hard enough time getting the government to recognize that, so I'm not about to just opt out of being responsible for my body, and hand it over it men. We've been taught for so long that it's our responsibility. If we don't want to get an STD, we force you to wear a condom. If we don't want to get pregnant, use The Pill.
Look, I know it's a fine line to walk by saying,"Oh, men are just too irresponsible for this." or that "Oh, men are pigs and will just take advantage." It's almost as bad as saying, "Women want to be on The Pill so they can trick their boyfriends."
I welcome male contraception. I do. I want men to prove us wrong and to be responsible, and to share the responsibility with their partners. So, bring it on. If you really think that men will use this contraception the way it's meant to, then do it. Prove to us that the "not gettin' knocked up" stuff really isn't a woman's responsibility.
Cate Sevilla is the Editor of Dollymix. She's not a man basher. She's a realist. That wacky bitch.
