How Trump’s politics is driving women toward permanent birth control
Is "fence-sitting" no longer an option?
“In Trump’s America, if a woman doesn’t exercise the human right to take control of her bodily autonomy, that right, that control - and that autonomy - could be taken away from her.”
We asked our Instagram followers if the US election results had impacted their reproductive decisions, and 72% are now considering taking action to control their reproductive health. Nearly half are considering a method of permanent birth control, like tubal sterilisation or vasectomy, 15% are looking at IUDs and other long-term methods, and 8% now plan to practice abstinence.
Of our followers who aren’t already childfree, the “fence-sitters” have always been curious, but may have lacked the confidence or clarity to commit to their decision. But as politics become ever more polarised, remaining undecided is an increasingly dangerous place to be. In Trump’s America, if a woman doesn’t exercise the human right to take control of her bodily autonomy, that right, that control – and that autonomy – could be taken away from her.
A new development is that women are now considering abstinence as a safe and self-determined method of birth control. Not surprising, as right-wingers seek to restrict and remove contraception and other reproductive healthcare from our range of available options. What is shocking is that now the forced-birthers have their masks off, and are threatening to rape women who won’t comply with their pronatal, patriarchal, white supremacist plans for perpetual growth – with or without our consent.
The impact of Trump’s re-election is being felt all over the world, as far-right extremists are emboldened, and childfree women are taking steps to protect themselves. From our DMs:
“I’m hoping I can go get my bilateral salpingectomy before literally everything is outlawed. Birth control will be banned under his Nazi manifesto (Project 2025), and he and his followers are already ENCOURAGING rapes (young boys are chanting “Your body, my choice”). So l’m trying to prevent having to have a rapist’s baby should something happen. I feel like women won’t be allowed to work, travel, drive, hold credit cards or basically anything other than being treated like cattle.”
“I live in Louisiana. I made an appointment to get my IUD exchanged before it expired to make sure I have extended access for as long as possible. I have two friends in the South who have put their pregnancy plans on hold because they are concerned for their health.”
“I’m grateful that I live in Sweden where abortion is legal. I had an abortion in Tennessee in 2010 and I don’t regret my decision. I can’t imagine what my life would be like now if I had been forced to carry and raise a child that I did not want. My heart aches for the women that may not get the same choice as me.”
“I don’t live in the US, but since the far right is gaining more and more power in Germany as well, I’m planning to get my tubes tied ASAP. It’s already not an easy process and I’m deeply afraid of the direction in which our politics and society are headed.”
If you’re uncertain about your options, or scared about your future, join the We are Childfree member community to meet like-minded folks who have your back. There’s a free option if you can’t afford the monthly dues, because we believe that everyone deserves community, regardless of their ability to pay. Take care lovelies 💝
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