Excessive availability of contraceptives

Deregulation of the sale of contraceptives

Nature

The provision of birth control information and supplies to young teenagers takes place in many countries without the permission of the children's parents. Coupled with sex education offered from childhood onwards, young people are positively encouraged to view the major ethical issue in sexuality as the extent to which contraception is effective.

Background

The issue of excessive availability of contraceptives emerged in the late 20th century as global health initiatives rapidly expanded access, particularly in urban and developing regions. Concerns were first documented in the 1980s, when public health experts and sociologists noted unintended social and behavioral consequences, including misuse and diminished oversight. Subsequent studies highlighted the phenomenon’s complexity, prompting international debate on balancing accessibility with responsible distribution and education.

Incidence

The excessive availability of contraceptives has become a notable phenomenon in several regions, particularly in urban centers of developing countries where over-the-counter access and aggressive marketing have led to widespread, sometimes unregulated, distribution. This situation has raised concerns about misuse, lack of medical oversight, and the marginalization of comprehensive sexual education, making it a matter of global significance as public health systems struggle to balance accessibility with responsible use.
In 2022, health authorities in Lagos, Nigeria, reported a surge in unregulated sales of emergency contraceptives through informal vendors and online platforms. This proliferation prompted warnings about potential health risks and the need for stricter regulatory enforcement.

Claim

Contraceptives should only be provided by a doctor. Going to a medical centre or private doctor means it is more likely that a woman will have checks on her blood pressure and other checks such as cervical smears and lifestyle counselling.

Contraception and abortion are inextricably bound together. Twenty years ago women were more resigned to unwanted pregnancy. As they have become more conscious of preventing conception, so they have come to request terminations when contraception fails, or in its place. There is overwhelming evidence that, contrary to what you might expect, the availability of contraception leads to an increase in the abortion rate.

Counter-claim

Taking the oral contraceptive pill is far less dangerous to health than getting pregnant or smoking. The contraceptive pill should be sold direct to women in vending machines while cigarettes should be available on prescription. If the pill were taken off prescription, market competition would bring the price tumbling. The same should be done for post-coital contraceptives ("morning-after" pill).

Many women delay prescription renewal, run out of supplied and become pregnant.