Editor,
On Aug. 24, 2006, the Food and Drug Administration decided to allow the emergency contraceptive drug levonorgestrel, commonly called Plan B, to be sold over-the-counter to people at least 18 years old. Advocates of this decision say that easier access to Plan B will decrease the number of unwanted pregnancies.
What is interesting about emergency contraception is the name, Plan B. The essence of the name suggests that there was an original plan that failed, and the back-up plan must be implemented. Plan A is the use of a more standard form of contraception. It is only fair to admit that if Plan B fails, there is also Plan C, which is to have an abortion. There are about 1.2 million abortions every year in the U.S.
Some people argue that all this planning is necessary in order to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Others simply wonder, with plans and back-up plans for human sexuality, whether one is entering into a beautiful experience or a very dangerous situation.
Given there are already multiple plans for human sexuality, I hesitate to suggest another plan; however, I feel obligated to do so.
The plan is rather than try to manipulate human sexuality with plans and back-up plans, people should enter into sexual relations only when they are capable of accepting the natural results of those relations. This plan will have a number of positive results.
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First, the couple will live according to reality. Classical philosophy teaches that to live according to reality is to live according to the truth. Couples will no longer be confused or bewildered about being pregnant after having engaged in sexual relations. Second, the members of the couple will treat each other with more respect, because they will be fully aware of what it means to be male and female - the full person will be recognized rather than just the person's body. Third, human sexuality will be more beautiful. People will experience more joy because they will be with someone they are able to completely give themselves to, not holding an important part of themselves back, and they will able to receive the other person in return.
Finally, a committed relationship open to life highlights the fact that the sexual desire is not a call to promiscuous behavior or to simply pass on one's genes. Rather, it is a call to a personal, monogamous and indissoluble relationship.
Children highlight the fact that human sexuality is not meant to be a one-time event with no lasting effect. It is supposed to be a total giving of oneself to another person in a lifelong commitment. Children expect nothing less from their parents.
The truth about human sexuality is perceived when people do not manipulate it for selfish purposes. The shortsighted mentality of Plan A, Plan B and subsequent plans results in a great loss for the couple and an even greater loss for the potential or already-present human life.
Benjamin P. Sanchez
UNM alumnus
