ABSTRACT
In the 1990s, among the many reproductive issues with which feminists struggle are the uses and abuses of newly developed birth control technologies. Available methods of contraception continue to be imperfect, and new developments are eagerly awaited by consumers and health providers. Long-acting contraceptives are among the newest birth control technologies developed. Sociopolitical pressure for new forms of birth control is pernicious as well as beneficent. State-controlled contraceptive research often focuses on developing and disseminating forms that will facilitate the control of particular groups of women’s reproduction, resulting in either the prevention or encouragement of birthing based on public policy rather than individual women’s choices. Debates on these forms of contraception, particularly Norplant and Depo-Provera, can be sharp and acrimonious. ebate polarizes opinions and can lead to bitter antagonism, which can close down communication among different groups of feminists.
