Happy Anniversary to the Birth Control Pill!

As we mark the 50th anniversary of the approval of the birth control pill by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1960, we must ensure that women in the U.S. have access to effective, affordable contraception, regardless of their ability to pay or the kind of insurance they have. Why? Half of all pregnancies in America are still unplanned, and the rate is highest among teens. Ensuring affordable contraception is one of the most crucial investments we can make in women, so they can achieve their hopes for themselves and their families when it comes to family life, career, education and so much more.

The birth control pill was more than just a pill — it was a pathway for women to seek higher education, enter the work force and be able to control the number and spacing of their children. Moreover, in the past 50 years, the percentage of women who die as a result of pregnancy dropped by half. During that same period, there has been a more than threefold decline in the rate of infant deaths. The percentage of unplanned pregnancies has also declined, despite the fact that too many still occur. And, as access to contraception has increased, the rate of abortion has decreased.

There is no better way to build on the progress of the pill than by ensuring that quality contraception is covered as preventive care under the new health care reform law. To make your voice heard, please visit http://www.ppaction.org/.

May is Masturbation Month!

May is Masturbation Month! Although not a recognized national month by the government, it is recognized by many groups around the nation. The Center for Sex and Culture, based in San Francisco, hosts a Masturbate-a-thon in which people can participate or watch. If one doesn't feel comfortable participating in public, they can participate at home. The Center for Sex and Culture is a sex-positive group that teaches people about positive sex and how to have a healthy sexual relationship. So what about the history behind Masturbation Month? Masturbation month started in May 1995 by the company Good Vibrations to protest firing then Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders. When asked about safe sex, Elders responded: "Masturbation is something that perhaps should be taught." This did not sit well with some people in the American population, and Elders was fired. The first Masturbate-A-Thon was hosted in 1998. Since the Masturbate-A-Thon was created, over 10,000 articles have appeared on Google. The event also

It's a great idea to have a masturbation month. This promotes the idea of self love and it aims to take away the stigmatization of it. This month should definitely be brought to light, especially to the youth. Like Elders said, it is something that perhaps should be taught. This could prevent riskier sexual activity that youth might participate in.

History of the Masturbate-a-Thon