CONTRACEPTION AT ERECTION?
- Kean Huy Alado
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
By Mathew Cole
"Contraception at Erection?" The title itself elicits a reaction, a mixture of disbelief and perhaps a touch of outrage.
Sophomore Perpetua Anurugwo, a pre-professional biology major, echoed this sentiment when she first encountered the news.
But behind the sensational headline lies a complex issue sparking heated debate: Mississippi's pro- posed bill, “Contraception Begins at Erection Act,” which, in its initial form, sought to re-define the moment of conception, placing responsibility for contraception squarely on the male partner.
Introduced by Senator Bradford Blackmon in January, the bill aimed to ignite a broader conversation about reproductive rights and the often overlooked role of men in unintended pregnancies. The proposed legislation included clauses that would have held men legally accountable for conception, making it unlawful for “a person to discharge genetic material without the intent to fertilize an embryo.”
This is a radical departure from existing laws that primarily focus on women's reproductive choices. This includes imposing a $1,000 fine for first-time offenders, a $5,000 fine for a second offense and a $10,000 fine for further offenses.
When explained the bill's intent, Perpetua Anurugwo's response was firm. She sided with both the intent and the penalties proposed even going a bit further.
"I believe that they should charge both men and women for purely recreational sex," she said.
Her stance rooted in her strong Catholic beliefs, this perspective highlights the moral and religious dimensions of the debate, adding another layer of complexity to the issue.
Senator Blackmon, however, clarified that the bill's primary objective wasn't to criminalize casual sex but to shift the focus toward male culpability in unintended pregnancies. He emphasized the need to address the lack of accountability men face, particularly in the context of abortion debates.
He also highlighted his advocacy for legislation that would require those convicted of incest to register as sex offenders, further demonstrating his commitment to addressing sexual misconduct.
Barry Chaplain, Fr. Humphrey Ikueze, weighed in on the topic, framing both the man and the woman as partners in intimacy.
"The sexual act is an act of self-giving between two people. Outside of marriage, it may lead to extensive openness of the body and promiscuity,” he said.
While we understand this perspective in terms of morality and sin, when asked about legislation to create equitable disincentives for recreational sex, he responded, “Yes, we should hold men and women equally accountable in cases of pregnancy and child- bearing.”
However, he acknowledged the difficulty of enforcement.
“You can identify a woman's pregnancy, but you cannot determine a man's responsibility simply by looking at him,” he said.
It is important to note that Blackmon's perspective also aimed to alleviate some of the punitive measures women face in Mississippi regarding abortion.
Mississippi imposes near total abortion bans, mandatory waiting periods and severe restrictions on clinics. Florida has enacted a 12 week abortion ban, mandatory waiting periods and parental consent requirements for minors, with both states limiting public funding for abortions.
Recognizing the immense physical and emotional burden women carry, Blackmon sought to create a more equitable distribution of responsibility.
The "Contraception at Erection" bill, regardless of its legislative fate, has succeeded in sparking a vital campus dialogue. It forces us to confront uncomfortable questions about responsibility, gender roles and the complex interplay of personal beliefs and public policy.
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