Birth control and pregnancy options

Aboriginal Nurse, The, 2002

When speaking to traditional Elders knowledgeable about reproductive health matters, repeatedly they would refer to a woman knowing which herbs and methods to use "to make her period come." This was seen as a woman taking care of herself and doing what was necessary.

Be sure to read Part 1 before working on this unit. See these other units for more issues related to birth control and pregnancy options:

Unit 2 - Educating Children and Youth About Sexuality

Unit 4 - Youth Sexuality and Sexual Health

Unit 5 - Teen Pregnancy

Unit 17 - HIV/AIDS and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections

Introduction

Before the induction of modern medicine, the Kokums (Grandmothers) were the keepers of the knowledge of herbal medicines, including medicines for birth control. They were the midwives in the community and had knowledge of the whole gamut of medicines to cure any illness in their families. The knowledge for many of these medicines was easily shared from First Nations to the Metis.

Metis writer from Ontario

Traditionally and still today, Aboriginal people thought of having and raising children as a natural part of life, a sacred trust and a part of the circle of life. However, even in previous times, women took measures to delay having children (until other children were older or to plan births for safe times and places). Today, while some First Nations, Inuit and Metis people believe getting pregnant should be left up to the Creator, others want to decide if and when they will have children. Young people especially want to delay pregnancy to a time when we are ready to parent and are able to give our children the best start in life. People who want to choose to get pregnant want complete information and services the birth control methods, and access to abortion, adoption and parenting help that will let us make these decisions for our own good, and that of our families, communities and nations.

Fear of pregnancy can rob couples of the joy sex is able to give them. Sex without birth control will likely lead to pregnancy: research shows that 25 percent of young women who have intercourse without using some method of birth control will become pregnant within one month, and 85 percent will become pregnant within one year.' Everyone who is sexually active needs to practise "safer sex" (i.e., preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections).

For the same reasons discussed in other units, these matters are not always easy to talk about. Different people have different values. Youth may be afraid to talk to their parents, and don't always have the skills to talk about and then act on birth control decisions with their sexual partners. There may be a lack of confidential and non-judgmental information and counselling in a community. Small and isolated communities may lack services and birth control supplies. These are all barriers to pregnancy planning and choice that communities have to try to overcome.

Preventing and Dealing with Unintended Pregnancy

Good Sex Education

Informed decisions about pregnancy start with good sexuality education because women and men need to know how their bodies work and how pregnancy comes about. Even more importantly, they will be better able to make decisions and carry them out if they feel good about their sexuality, can talk openly about sex, have good self-esteem and can choose good relationships. Parents, grandparents and other adults can help by providing healthy sexuality education, by talking openly with children and youth, and by guiding youth while respecting their decisions.

Pilot coordinator Barb says:

What advice would I give to others working in sexual health education? Never give up. Those working in sexual health services often feel isolated. There is not another topic more sensitive than sex and sexuality. What is encouraging is that when people feel safe to discuss sexuality openly, honestly and respectively, incredible discussions and learning can take place.

Barb McWatters, Planned Parenthood Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan

Information and Services for Youth

Youth want and need to make their own decisions about sexual activity, pregnancy and parenting - whether this be to delay sexual involvement, use a method of birth control or get pregnant. Parents and educators can help by encouraging youth to actively decide if they are ready for sex, what makes a good relationship, and what having a child is really like. Service providers need to provide accurate information to youth, and make sure that sexually active teens have access to methods that prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Youth need help selecting a birth control method that will work for them (depending on their lifestyle, level of responsibility, nature of their sexual encounters, etc.) and help "negotiating" safer sex with their partners. As with other youth programs, peer education (youth talking to youth) and youth-directed services have the greatest chance of success.

Birth Control

In my community, the doctors are very discriminating. I wanted to go on the pill when I was 14. I went into the doctor's office, and I knew that I needed parental consent But I was just going in to talk about it. And the doctor said, "Well you shouldn't be having sex anyway." Then I went in with my mom. But if my mom wasn't with me I knew I wouldn't be able to get it because I was under 16. And you couldn't get condoms in the school. You'd have to go into the drug store and that is pretty intimidating, especially in a small town because you know everyone who works there. So unless the guys had them, the girls didn't go out and buy them.