The Sexual Politics of Contraception

The central problem posed in this study is the complexity of factors impinging upon young women engaging in heterosexual relationships. Why do young. women become pregnant when they do not wish to be? Whilst problems associated with the nature and use of contraceptive methods influence the incidence of unwanted pregnancy, my hypothesis is that this cannot be considered in isolation. The nature of heterosexual relationships and the contradictory position of young women are crucial factors to the extent that women face a double bind of passive femininity versus the active control required for successful fertility regulation. Investigation of this area entails examining the relationship between the public and private image: the -imposed depiction of femininity alongside the ways with which this is dealt and expressed in concrete sociosexual relationships. This study elucidates the factors influencing the incidence of unwanted pregnancy among young, single women. It is undertaken from the standpoint of women themselves using a feminist framework which investigates the sexual politics, power relations and control characterising relationships between women and men. The study is conducted by means of in-depth interviews with women who were patients at non-profit making abortion clinics. A number of interrelated areas are discussed: knowledge and use of contraception; reasons for non-use or irregular use of contraception; relationships with men; attitudes toward abortions future intentions. Analysis of the interview material suggests that the organisation of efficient contraceptive practice is influenced by a complex of factors: the nature of contraceptive techniques, the incidence of risk-taking, ambivalence towards sexuality and sexual activity. It is argued that these factors are linked with a basic contradiction characterising the transition from sexual ‘innocence’ to sexual activity. The politics of heterosexual relations are power politics and may place the young, single woman in an impossible situation. Female sexuality, it is concluded, is locked within the confines of the double standard of morality which itself is a manifestation of patriarchal control.