WHI is a nonprofit, public interest women’s health education and advocacy organization. Our issues reflect what a woman needs to direct her own life and make healthy decisions that are legal, safe, and practical. We envision a world in which women have full control over their bodies and have complete reproductive freedom.
Our organization advocates for reproductive rights for women, most specifically in areas of birth control and reproductive freedom.
WHI works passionately to inspire and empower women to become engaged in the women's health movement, which is focused on working towards sustaining better reproductive health for females around the globe.
We are currently making great strides in securing every woman’s human right to dignity, health, and independence.
Quick link to our sources, both academic and non.
Here at Women's Health Information, our two main areas of expertise are contraception & abortion, as we feel they lie at the base of the women's reproductive freedom movement.
Contraception
Unintended pregnancy is a social issue that severely jeopardizes the quality of life for parents and their children. Thankfully, we live in a country in which contraceptive techniques are readily available. Regular use of contraceptives can drastically reduce the risk of pregnancy. While traditional contraceptives and their power were left in the hands of men through condoms, there are now are a variety of choices available that women can and should use in order to take their reproductive future into their own hands.
Abortion
Abortion is one of the most common medical procedures undergone by women aged 15–44 in the United States, partly because of the high level of unintended pregnancy due to lack of contraception use. An estimated 1.2 million abortions were performed in 2005, slightly down in number than in years prior. Reasons for the downward trend may be due to improved contraceptive use, or lack of access & knowledge about the reproductive right to not carry on with the pregnancy.
There is a huge disparity between the manners in which men and women are treated when it comes to reproductive health in this country. Men and products marketed towards them such as Viagra or Cialis are easily obtainable, and are often covered via insurance. The primary contraception device for men, condoms, can be obtained in most stores over the counter. Several women's selections for effective contraception, such as oral birth control pills, often require a perscription, and may not be covered under insurance. This inequality stems from a greater concern of the disparity among the sexes. With it boiling over into the area of reproductive freedom, this is where WHI began its movement.
Contraceptive use in the United States is virtually universal among women of reproductive age. In fact, 98 percent of all women who had ever had intercourse had used at least one method of contraception. In 2002, 90 percent of women had ever had a partner who used the male condom, 82 percent had ever used the oral contraceptive pill, and 56 percent had ever had a partner who used the withdrawal technique as the primary form.
The leading method of contraception in the United States is the oral contraceptive pill. In 2002, it was being used by 11.6 million women 15–44 years of age; it had ever been used by 44.5 million women 15–44 years of age. "The Pill" was first approved in 1960, and when taken by mouth every day, these pills inhibit female fertility.
Cervical barriers are devices that are contained completely within the vagina. If used as intended, with each sexual encounter, barriers can be an effective method in preventing pregnancy. While the most common barriers are condoms for men, female versions are available, which leaves the power of contraception in the hands of females.
Emergency contraception, more commonly known as "the morning-after pill" or "Plan B", is intended for use only when other contraceptive methods failed or were not used.This pill is marketed to be most effective to take just before, up until 72 hours after intercourse, with earlier consumption being the most effective. It is available for purchase over the counter, however it should not be used as a primary form of birth control.
Abortion is the removal of the developing fetus. It occurs naturally (known as a miscarriage), but can also be performed chemically or surgically by licensed physicians. Abortions are performed for various medical reasons--if the health of the mother would be affected by the pregnancy, if the pregnancy continues the child would be born with a severe disorder, or to reduce the number of fetuses in the instance of multiple pregnancy. Terminating a pregnancy is also an option for those who do not desire, or feel capable of going through with the pregnancy. While controversial, WHI strongly believes in a women's reproductive rights, more specifically, the right to choose whether or not to carry a pregnancy to term.
Bryant, K. (2009). Contraceptive use and attitudes among female college students. The ABNF
Journal: Official Journal Of The Association Of Black Nursing Faculty In Higher Education,
Inc,20(1), 12-16. Retrieved from MEDLINE database.
This scholarly work by K. Bryant offers greater insight into the use and thoughts behind contraceptive use. Samples of 120 sexually active females enrolled at a university were interviewed about their sexual life and primary forms of contraception, as well as their attitudes about other known forms of contraception. The material taken from this article was extensively useful in covering the topic of contraceptive use in the webpage. The results of the study can be used to aid in the distribution of effective methods of contraceptive use in an attempt to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Center for reproductive rights. (2009). Retrieved from http://reproductiverights.org
This webpage is an informational page that is seeking to transform the rules of reproductive health and rights worldwide, and has already strengthened laws and policies in over 50 nations. It sponsors women’s health by challenging the institutions and systems that block women from possessing full control over their bodies. The site was used as a source of information, as well as a source in the overall layout of the website created. Its purpose parallels the one of the created page.
Joffe, C., Weitz, T. and Stacey, C. (2004), Uneasy allies: pro-choice physicians, feminist health
activists and the struggle for abortion rights. Sociology of Health & Illness, 26: 775–796. doi:
10.1111/j.0141-9889.2004.00418.x
This article was a collaboration of three scholars on the issue of the dwindling support of the pro-choice and feminist health movement. It is presented that following Roe v Wade, many of the leading activists for these cause have since retired, and have yet to be adequately replaced by new prominent fighters for the cause. Information from this article was used to cover the issue of abortion as well as to display the disparity between the sexes. This information was vital to the sections relating to a woman’s right to have control over her reproductive future as it relates to unwanted pregnancies.
Jones, R., Zolna, M., Henshaw, S., & Finer, L. (2008). Abortion in the United
States: Incidence and Access to Services, 2005. Perspectives on Sexual &
Reproductive Health, 40(1), 6-16. doi:10.1363/4000608
This article is an in-depth study at the abortion rates and statistics involving abortion clinics around the country. The authors conduct a study on the rates of abortion in an attempt to unravel the reasoning behind a recent decrease in rates. Using the definitions and information provided in an objective sense was useful in the creation of the website. The information gathered on abortion was used to cover one of the two main topics addressed on the website.
Kramer, Laura. 2010. The Sociology of Gender, Third Edition. Roxbury.
This textbook offers a broad overview of the distinctions between the two genders. While covering a vast range of topics, a few chapters in particular were very useful in the creation of the website. As a published author of a textbook, Kramer presents the material in scholarly and well-researched manner.
Our bodies ouselves. (2009, March). Community Works. Retrieved from
http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org
This webpage is a online community started in 2003, which advocates with partners for a better understanding and interpretation of healthcare relating to womens issues worldwide. Its home-base originates in Boston and raises funds to donate to campaigns for these initiatives. Our Bodies Ourselves provides clear information about health, sexuality and reproduction from a feminist and consumer perspective. Some information as well as the overall layout of the website was used in to aid in the creation of this site. It is relevant because the overall function of Our Bodies Ourselves was mirrored in the creation of this page.
We promote the widespread release of up to date information to both women and men alike, in order to better inform the public to their rights and available options when it comes to their reproductive freedom.
With this information, our audience will become more capable of making informed decisions as it relates to their bodies and lifestyles.
Information! We strongly believe in having adequate information from various collaborating sources before making decisions about your health & wellness.
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