A reader points out a flaw (just one?) in my Dec. 7 column about an emergency contracpetion giveaway:
While I very much appreciated your column on obtaining Plan B at the Memphis Regional Planned Parenthood center, there is a very serious error. It’s where you mention using Plan B “when the withdrawal method doesn’t go as the man planned.” Please let your readers know that the withdrawal method is not–IS NOT–ever a safe contraception measure.
Semen leaks from the penis whether or not the man withdrawals before ejaculation. Thus a woman is always in danger of getting pregnant during the withdrawal method–even if things go as planned.
Of course the letter writer, Terry Moon, a writer and self-described activist in the women’s liberation movement, is absolutely right. Planned Parenthood’s literature lists this as a method of birth control, but points out that if 100 women use this method for a year, 27 will get pregnant. I don’t know any woman who doesn’t want to get pregnant who would rely on this free, but highly unreliable method. I guess you get what you pay for.
The Guest Diva and metro columnist
Wendi C. Thomas
Responses to “The Guest Diva: Pulling back on pulling out…”
December 14th, 2006 at 2:04 pm
These poor girls are victims of their hormones, if they think the withdrawal method is foolproof. Also, the withdrawal method is a good way of contracting unwanted diseases of various sorts, including hepatitis. I know it is unfashionable and not very spontaneous to use a condom. But, that thin layer of rubber is protecting your health and future, young lady. Make him use it, if he truly cares about you.
December 14th, 2006 at 3:05 pm
Marisa:
I guess it depends on your perspective. For a lot of women, getting pregnant could be extremely physically dangerous and emotionally devastating for many reasons that might not be immediately apparent to others.
I can ABSOLUTELY understand where Terry is coming from -and I think danger is a good word choice.
December 14th, 2006 at 9:42 am
Lol! In “danger” of getting pregnant? I always thought that AIDS or HIV was something that one was in “danger” of contracting from sex. But KIDS? That’s quite an interesting reader perspective on the beauty of what the female body can do…