Singer Britney Spears’ legal fight grabbed headlines across the world with people coming in support of her and asking to end the conservatorship. The conservatorship has the power to make Spears' medical decisions and her business deals, the Associated Press previously reported. It can restrict her visitors, take out restraining orders in her name, and it has the power to approve her major life decisions, such as getting married.
In the light of this campaign, we tried to explore if women in our community have reproductive freedom and knowledge of contraception.
Speaking to Asian Voice, Sharanya Desai (name changed) said that reproductive freedom must be seen as a human right - a vital component of an open society. She said, “True gender equality can never be achieved without women exercising their choices on when, or even if, they want to bring a new life into this world. I grew up thinking it is a South Asian thing and that developed societies would recognise this choice as a fundamental right. But I was wrong. I do get the concept of having kids - the magic of a new life, the joys of parenthood - and I respect people exercising choice. But the moment I express my vision of a childfree life, I face reactions that range from surprise and mild disapproval to full-fledged arguments.
“Family pressure is a real complication and so is the dreaded 'biological clock'. By the time you figure out your career or family, it's time to have a baby. By the time you raise that baby to be old enough, you lose out on other choices. It is all a trade-off at the end of the day and everyone should get to make their choices. Parenthood makes people emotionally mature - it's an adventure that takes courage and generosity. However, living with a partner or on your own is also not as easy as some of the parents make it out to be.
When asked about her understanding of Intra-Uterine Devices (IUDs), Sharanya said, “I chose the non-hormonal copper IUD (which offers protection for 5 years). The experience was hassle-free and I was able to go back to work within an hour. The doctors at these clinics are cooperative and kind as they also play the role of counsellors. They not only ensured that I was making my choice freely but also offered a non-judgemental experience. I have not experienced any side effects after three years of being fitted with this IUD except for scanty menstruation during the first year,” she said.
Do men take interest in learning about IUD? Sharanya said, “In my experience, yes they do. Conversations about reproductive choices have become more common than before, but are not pleasant at all. If your partner does not want to space out pregnancies or want to agree with your choice, it creates an emotional wedge. The good part is that these conversations are at least taking place among young couples - one step at a time. I urge the men to learn more about the need for these choices if they wish to live fulfilling lives. In either case, it is always best to be prepared for the future.”
Sharing her take on reproductive freedom among Asian women, Dr Nitu Bajekal, Senior Consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist told Asian Voice, “Contraceptive coercion has been often underestimated and not spoken about in Asian communities. In this same culture, being forced or coerced to use contraception, sometimes irreversible sterilisation is not unusual at all. The narrative cannot change until we speak about this openly and question these norms.”
She explained that there are hormonal and non-hormonal intrauterine devices and most suited for those spacing their families or after completing their family - both are very safe but the former has the added advantage of managing heavy periods, also being of use as part of hormone replacement therapy if needed and protective against womb cancer. On the other hand, non-hormonal IUDs do not come with these added advantages and can make period flow heavier. Unless one has a definite contraindication, the hormonal IUS is preferred.
Neelam Heera, Founder of Cysters said, "The use of contraception to subjugate women of colour is deeply rooted in colonial history and has left subsequent generations feeling suspicious of contraception and worried about the long-lasting effects that hormones have on their bodies. We have seen this with the pandemic the distrusting nature of communities of colour. This is further impacted by the patriarchal standards placed on women's bodies around fertility and having children.
"For women with reproductive health-related issues, hormonal contraception has helped the pain and side effects such as heavy menstrual bleeding. For example, I have the Minerna Coil. It helps me manage my heavy bleeding and also provides effective birth control. It's a win-win. For sadly for other people of colour, this would be seen as intrusive and unnatural. Yet most of these men wouldn't think of using birth control in the same way women do themselves. The standards placed on women's bodies has for a long time been controlled by men and their wishes."
