Overlooked Issues in Womanhood

A Woman's Rightful Needs

Illustrations in Media from Wix

It feels like every day there is another article about women’s bodies and the argument over reproductive rights. In the United States, we are taught that we have unalienable rights, rights that every human, no matter the sex, maintains while here. However, rights that are often overlooked include menstruation needs and reproductive control, both linked to women’s dignity. Pressing issues in womanhood are often forgotten, demeaned or overlooked. Easy access to hygienic products and reproductive control should be guaranteed.  

Menstruation is a topic often overlooked in our nation. Every 28 days on average, women go through the process of shedding their uterine lining over the course of 4-7 days. This process includes intense bouts of pain (likened to the intensity of a heart attack), cramping, mood changes among other symptoms. Every month those who menstruate must use tampons, pads and other products in order to function normally. It goes without saying that without these products many articles of clothing would be ruined, the area could become infected with rashes and women would be less comfortable. It is important to teach and practice good menstrual hygiene to avoid these common problems, yet “period” still feels like a taboo. It goes without saying, but many do not realize how expensive period products can be. The average woman will spend $20 per cycle which in a lifetime adds up to around $9,000 (it feels comical to report that erectile dysfunction medication prices have reduced drastically in the past decade now costing between $1 to $4 a pill). These incredibly high prices make it difficult for women in need to get the products they must have to keep themselves healthy. Basic menstrual items are often referred to as “luxury items” highlighting how little women’s reproductive health factors into “basic human rights”. 

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis passed a law that banned all abortions after six weeks, failing to consider the average time it takes for a woman to discover she is pregnant, which is six to eight weeks. This ultimately gives women no choice but to give birth, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy or birth–circumstances that include forced delivery of a rapist’s child or delivery even at risk to the mother’s life. There are over 50 different health issues associated with pregnancy, many of which are discovered during pregnancy. Not only has Florida stopped funding women’s health clinics, but lawmakers have done nothing to better improve the protection of the current generation’s children. If Florida prioritized education surrounding women's health, sex education, incorporating mandatory paid parental leave, reducing the cost of child care and hospital visits for expecting mothers, improving adoption services and foster homes, women in this state may feel more supported and protected.

Health-wise, there are many preventatives to abortion like the morning-after pill, monthly birth control and other forms of contraceptives, yet the government fails to pass any law that guarantees access to these items for women. Despite any efforts to create a “Right to Contraceptives Act,” all have failed. Oral contraceptives are a fairly common form of birth control used among women. Most even use it as a way to lighten intense menstrual cycles or to balance out hormones, while older women often use it to replenish hormones during menopause. Birth controls are often prescribed as medicine to help regulate cycles for women with endometriosis. Regulating cycles helps reduce symptoms and pain by decreasing the amount of endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus. If the process of endometriosis is not slowed women will eventually lose any chance they have of conceiving; some cases even involve the removal of a woman's uterus. Ovarian cysts are another common health issue among women. Cysts consist of sudden sharp pain and rupturing can lead to death. Birth control helps prevent further cysts and growth. Denying women of birth control would not only risk health problems but could lead to an increase in that state's and neighboring state’s abortion numbers. 

The reluctance to improve health education for women and offer answers to overlooked health issues is just creating more harm today. Women face daily struggles due to the lack of support and resources from the government. Even if the financial issues may only affect some, collecting funds and supporting organizations that guarantee women pregnancy preventers and basic hygienic needs would go a long way in improving America’s system for women. Many of these things are everyday necessities that would eventually help end certain obstacles like the pink tax and most abortions. Overall, more awareness and possible solutions need to be discussed and dealt with.