Could Modern Men Embrace The Use of Male Birth Control?

Yes

Ah, progress. Researchers are rumored to be within ten years of perfecting a safe and effective male contraceptive, albiet fifty years beyond the female birth control's debated debut. Yet, in a stunning display of reverse-chauvinism, men are still seen as self-absorbed pigs who ought not be trusted to handle their role in reproductive responsibility. Is this an unfortunate stereotype that the guys just can't shake or a bitter truth that needs to be considered?

Slate.com reports that according to professor Nelly Oudshoorn’s The Male Pill, research has actually been held up by the archaic aversion to the idea, stemming from the traditional stance that family planning is woman’s responsibility, alongside the notion that most men are wildly unreliable and uninterested. “Family planners ignored men as consumers; drug companies were reluctant to invest in projects that appeared to have little profit; and researchers were discouraged from entering the field because of a lack of interest and funding.”

"Even now," Slate notes, "women’s organizations must take the lead in convincing scientists and drug-makers to study male contraception."

The general male public is assumed to be opposed to the idea, "But according to studies by the World Health Organization, men across the globe would overwhelmingly welcome the opportunity to take an oral contraceptive and maintain greater control over family planning. In fact, the WHO has had no difficulty recruiting volunteers to its male contraception studies."

Will the new everyday man, with his metrosexual grooming habits, renewed focus on health, and more progressive overall outlook regarding his role in life, embrace the opportunity to be proactive in his reproductive relationship? Or will men uphold the portrayals of the thoughtless playboy as the male standard?

Casandra Armour

Could Modern Men Embrace The Use of Male Birth Control?

Eleanor Brown

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