[Wednesday L.F.]

In the US, steps are being taken to severely reduce access to birth control—including things like “the pill” and Plan B. A lot of people are talking about stockpiling Plan B in case they or a loved one needs it. I’m curious how common that is and what the ethics of hoarding such a med are. Normally I’m opposed to hoarding during a crisis but it’s literally life or death to many women.

Thoughts?

[Alison H.]

Honestly, I think it's pretty common these days. I don't know that "hoarding" means one person buying hundreds of them, but at least a few to have on hand in case someone needs it and can't access it. The shelf-life, if I remember correctly, is a few years. So I definitely understand the inclination.

Ethically... I think as long as it's NOT going to be used as a business later on (reselling for insane amounts of money), women are doing what they feel they need to do to protect themselves. I can't argue with that logic...

I know people who are scheduling tubal ligations as a preventative measure, as well, while they're still able to. I understand that, too. 100%.

[TwilaNightbird]

I can understand the inclination, for sure. If there's a risk of these things becoming difficult to get or even entirely unavailable, women have to look out for themselves and their friends or loved ones.

My thoughts:

It's way less ethical to make them unavailable than it is to stockpile. Like Alison H. said, as long as it isn't being resold at ridiculous prices later on, it's a safety precaution and a likely necessary one.

[Alison H.]

My thoughts: it's way less ethical to make them unavailable than it is to stockpile

That's a really good way to put it!

[Wednesday L.F.]

I’ve been reading up on Plan B.
I did not know it shouldn’t be taken with alcohol.
also, if you weigh more than 170, it can be ineffective.

I worry that women won’t know these things and can’t consult a doctor.