As the contraceptive pill celebrates its 50th year, leading organisations unite to ask Australian women their vision for future generations
Fifty years ago today, the first oral contraceptive pill was made available in the United States – instigating profound female and societal change that has seen it become the most widely used and trusted form of birth control for over 100 million women around the world.
Now, 50 years on, Australian women everywhere are being asked to celebrate its inception by voting on a vision for women over the next 50 years through a national charity initiative, ‘Dreams for our Daughters’ – an initiative from Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia (SH&FPA), Australia’s foremost sexual health organisation, supported by Bayer Schering Pharma (a division of Bayer Australia Limited), the company that brought the Pill to Australia. For every vote cast, $1 will go to the charity that is striving to make that dream a reality.
“Living a life free from violence, building an environmentally sustainable future, having safe and affordable housing and enjoying sexual and reproductive health rights are all vital dreams for women that with our ‘Dreams for our Daughters’ campaign we would like to see become a future reality,” said Naomi Knight, Chief Executive Officer of SH&FPA, Australia’s foremost sexual health organisation.
“The Pill came about as a result of a vision that women one day would be able to choose when they have children, and in reality it’s gone beyond this goal as the fufillment of sexual and reproductive health rights have far reaching implications and are fundamental to how individuals are able to participate in social and economic activities.
“The availability of the Pill on 11 May 1960 irrevocably changed the course of history, enabling women to take control of their family planning and pursue careers, education and family on their own terms.We now ask ourselves, what’s next for women? Through ‘Dreams for our Daughters’ we celebrate this milestone by looking forward to the next 50 years,” continued Ms Knight.
‘Dreams for our Daughters’ brings together four well known charities who are currently striving to make our dreams a future reality. Dreams include, sexual health reproductive rights for every women, the dream to end violence against women and for Australian women and families to live in a clean, sustainable environment.
Dr Edith Weisberg, spokesperson for Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia believes it is important for women to realise how far the Pill has evolved in the last 50 years.
“Women have more options than ever with many different types of oral contraceptives. Some of the latest Pills provide health benefits beyond contraception such as reduced premenstrual symptoms, hormonal fluctuation and acne. Today, most women will be able find a Pill that is suitable for them, and should talk to their doctor about the latest options,” said Dr Weisberg.
SH&FPA’s campaign to celebrate 50 years of the Pill is proudly supported by Bayer Schering Pharma.
Bayer Schering Pharma has a long history in providing women with reliable and trusted contraceptive options. It is proud to support SH&FPA and leading charity organisations to celebrate the anniversary of what is widely considered one of the most influential inventions of the 20th century.
How to vote:
Women can vote online now on the Facebook site www.facebook.com/50yearsofthepill
SH&FPA will also host voting terminals at a live-site located in Westfield Bondi Junction (NSW), Westfield Chermside (QLD), and Westfield Carousel (WA) from 13 – 16 May. In addition to voting terminals, women can also receive the latest information about women’s health and contraception.
Additional information is available at www.understandingyou.com.au |
