If you’re a woman in the United States, who truly has the authority to choose the birth control method you utilize and how to cover its costs? Ideally, the answer would be “You, of course! It’s your body.” Unfortunately, we don’t live in an ideal world. Amy Johnson’s latest sketch for her Comedy Central show, “Ask Amy Johnson,” cleverly highlights this issue with humor and sharp wit.
In her sketch, she quips, “Consult your doctor about whether birth control is suitable for you. Then, check with your boss to see if they agree. Ask your boss to consult their priest. And don’t forget to find a Boy Scout for his opinion…” This is amusing because it rings true. Women in America have faced a staggering amount of interference regarding decisions that should be made solely by them and their healthcare providers.
Just last year, a pivotal court ruling allowed “closely-held” for-profit companies to claim religious exemptions, thereby enabling them to exclude various forms of contraception from employee health plans. In simpler terms, your employer might object to your use of birth control based on their beliefs, impacting your insurance coverage. It’s a baffling situation, especially in 2015.
Moreover, the sketch’s conclusion, where a pharmacist casually tosses a gun to a child without a second thought, might seem extreme—but it’s not too far from reality. Currently, Alabama is debating a bill that would permit minors to possess handguns for hunting and recreational activities. So, we can deem a child responsible enough to handle a firearm, yet many still question a woman’s ability to make her own contraceptive choices. It’s absurd, and we’re left laughing to mask our frustration.
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In summary, Amy Johnson’s sketch not only entertains but also sheds light on the ridiculousness of the current state of women’s reproductive rights, underscoring how societal norms can dictate personal health decisions.