OPINION:
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill, Opill, significantly expanding access to contraception among women across America (“FDA approves first over-the-counter birth control pill amid pressure over reproductive rights,” web, July 13).
Women’s rights groups cheer this as a great victory.
However, there are two ramifications that no one seems too concerned about. First, anyone will be able to purchase this pill, including 10-year-old girls or men who are sexually abusing them.
The solution to that problem should to make the pills available for over-the-counter purchase only to women age 18 and up. A doctor could prescribe them for a minor if the minor has reached the age of consent, usually 16 or 17, depending on state law.
If you disagree, you are supporting pedophilia and statutory rape.
The other concern is our declining birthrate. Our society should be encouraging people to get married and have three or four children by age 35.
Before the 1970s, people in their early 20s were usually considering starting a family in the near future if they had not done so already. The best age for a woman to have a child is between 20 and 35 years of age, not after age 40.
We are reaping what we are failing to sow. This results in fewer workers and thus less Social Security taxes.
That is why the Social Security system will run out of money in the next decade or so and why many welcome illegal immigration.
Cmdr. WAYNE L. JOHNSON
Judge Advocate General’s Corps, U.S. Navy (retired)
Alexandria, Virginia
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