Ashley Coffield, CEO of PlannedParenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi, spoke with Tennessean opinion editor David Plazas.
Tennessee's Human Life Protection Act went into effect over two years ago, strictly banning access to abortion care. Since then, many Tennesseans have been devastated physically, emotionally, and financially.
Healthcare providers who haven't already left the state are working under duress of legal repercussions. Piling on, the Nov. 5 federal and state-wide election results mean that the resurrection of women's reproductive rights is a far-off dream.
While many political action groups will continue to advocate for policy change, this strategy is farsighted in a state like Tennessee.
In the meantime, local organizations will continue to work around restrictions and help people prevent unwanted pregnancies. One such organization is Plan V.
Men should step up because they have a responsibility in family planning
It is the mission of Plan V to expand vasectomy awareness and access. A vasectomy is a minor out-patient procedure that prevents sperm from exiting the body. The procedure has minimal risk, little downtime, and no lasting side effects.
Demand has increased significantly since Roe v. Wade's upheaval. Urologists nationwide have reported higher levels of vasectomy consults and procedures. It is great to see men stepping up in this way because if we are being super technical, sperm causes 100% of pregnancies.
Gabrielle Blair makes an excellent case in her book "Ejaculate Responsibly: A Whole New Way To Think About Abortion." Men have control and choice over when and where to place their ejaculate.
Furthermore, they can ejaculate multiple times a day. A person with ovaries has no control over the timing and placement of their egg, which is only fertile 12 to 24 hours per month. This means sperm can cause pregnancy 100% of the time, while an egg plays a role in conception just 3% of the entire year.
Six reasons why men are reluctant to get this procedure done
It is clear men play a role in family planning given their accountability. However, it is estimated that just 4% of men in the U.S. have opted for a vasectomy across recent years, according to a University of Chicago Medical story. There are many reasons why this number is so insignificant.
Tennessee needs to do better on affordable health care access
Access to family planning healthcare is vital, but not a priority for Tennessee.
In fact, Tennessee has refused federal funding to support Medicaid expansion and the Legislature seems determined to increase rates of unwanted pregnancy, maternal and infant mortality, and families living in poverty.
Perhaps in the distant future Tennessee will pass a similar bill to California's Contraceptive Equity Act which expands access to low-or-no cost vasectomies. Until then, it is time for Plan V.
When public policy fails us, regular people can contribute in other ways. If you are someone with testicles and you don't want to cause any more pregnancies, please consider a vasectomy. Your sex drive and partner(s) will thank you!