For the scope of this paper I will be sharing my opinion on families using online sources for family planning, discuss benefits and drawbacks of this method, its usefulness and un-usefulness with low-income women.
I believe that women and their families should use online resources for information and family planning. One of the major benefits of using the internet is its convenience for most Americans to access information, take their time studying, and using multiple sources. There are also several resources for every style of learning (visual, audio, etc.). Many people online also share their reviews and first hand experiences which can add value and help people make more informed choices. One of the major drawbacks is that sometimes information online can come from un-reputable sources that may cause someone to make costly mistakes. It is always important to understand the source, its validity, and place it in its proper context (like a review or YouTube video testimonial). Low income women can benefit from the using online resources to make informed decisions because it can give them access to people they may be able to reach in real life (experts, doctors, professionals). The drawbacks for this group of women is that they may not have access to a computer or internet (although many low-income neighborhoods have community centers and nearby libraries to help with this issue). Although the majority of the information online supports my viewpoint there is some contradictions because the scope of family planning resources can be limited. Currently there is very little information to help people plan for the postpartum period in mother’s life (Rossier, Bradley, Ross, Winfrey, 2015).
Sites like plannedparenthood.org can help families decide how to prevent pregnancy and help them plan one (Morning After Pill, 2016). I believe that these resources are for the best when family planning due to their privacy and convenience.
References
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Rossier, C., Bradley, S., Ross, J., & Winfrey, W. (2015). Reassessing Unmet Need for Family Planning in the Postpartum Period. Studies in Family Planning, 46(4), 355-367.
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Morning-After Pill Emergency Contraception Cost & Info. (n.d.). Retrieved June 08, 2016, from https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception