Stories from Power to Decide

So #ThxBirthControl is trending.

I don’t use it for contraception. I use to to keep my PCOS under control, as it is a hormonal syndrome that birth control can help manage.

Thanks, birth control, for helping me and the 1 in every 10 women who have PCOS for being an aid for us.

— Michaela Laws (@VAMichaelaLaws) November 15, 2023

Birth control and contraception are essential and ethical healthcare that makes women’s and men’s lives better. Thanks birth control. #ThxBirthControl pic.twitter.com/q8AbFwEii8

— SamanthaRae©🤍🪶 💖☂️💜 (@EmpressSRMXA) November 15, 2023

#ThxBirthControl for helping my gender dysphoria (no periods) and keeping me from baby <3

— fei (they/them) 🌙 (@bugwitchery) November 15, 2023

#ThxBirthControl ya da bombbbb

— veronica (@vsomo_) November 15, 2023

As a teen, I had severe PMDD . Birth control may have literally saved my life. It's certainly not a panacea for every hormonal issue, but it's used for so much more than just preventing pregnancy (which is still a 100% valid reason for taking it). #ThxBirthControl

— bread lolly (@BretterTogether) November 15, 2023

I don't even date, I have no concern about pregnancy at this point. I literally take it to stay alive. Finding the right birth control pill totally neutralized my debilitating PMDD. Now I only fantasize about dying when I'm watching my sports teams (sometimes) #ThxBirthControl https://t.co/ztxu3NOoBj

— Kelsey (@KelseyDelave) November 15, 2023

When I was young and poor and had no health insurance, I got annual exams and cancer screenings, along with birth control, for free from Planned Parenthood. After we married, my husband and I were able to plan our growing family. #ThxBirthControl ❤️

— Allegrita (@AllegritaC) November 15, 2023

Since it's @powertodecide x @Bedsider 's Thanks, Birth Control Day, I'm here to speak on some very personal experiences.

In 2015, I took emergency contraception for the first time after a condom breaking. It was a very scary experience (and expensive), but I had my friends.

— Cheyenne Davis is doing NaNoWriMo 🇵🇸🇸🇩🇨🇩 (@cheymodee) November 15, 2023

#ThxBirthControl for giving me normal and controllable periods. since i was 11, ive had heavy and unpredictable periods. i got diagnosed with PCOS and was prescribed birth control. it has literally changed my life. birth control is health care.

— 𝖓𝖔𝖎𝖗 (@emirinoir) November 15, 2023

In my early 20s, I took birth control pills to treat painful ovarian cysts.

In the VA Senate, I cosponsored a bill to allow Medicaid recipients to obtain a 12 month supply of birth control.

Birth control IS essential health care & should be accessible to all. #ThxBirthControl pic.twitter.com/Zw0Rx4aMmi

— Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (@RepMcClellan) November 15, 2023

#ThxBirthControl for helping me with painful menstrual cycles since I was 13. Birth control isn’t just for protection against getting pregnant; it helps women who suffer from endometriosis and many other issues. A woman’s body is her own business. We have rights.

— Kaitlin 🩷🦋🌙 (@ohshes_kat) November 15, 2023

#ThxBirthControl thanks to birth control including The pill I can control painful periods and reduce how often I have them, remain child free by choice.

— Sprina 💙 Janel 🕊🪬🟦 (@NicoleW3393) November 15, 2023

birth control should be something everyone has access to and it should be available to everyone who needs/wants it for any reason they want or need it. That’s all. #ThxBirthControl

— tatum’s evil twin (@_liltate) November 15, 2023

#ThxBirthControl https://t.co/ao2aX40lsG pic.twitter.com/82JYXJbHla

— SUSAN 🇺🇲♀️🇺🇦 (@ifudontlike2bad) November 15, 2023

As Republicans work to roll back the clock on reproductive rights, I'm fighting for progress. That means making birth control available over-the-counter without a prescription and fully covered by insurers. #ThxBirthControl

— Senator Patty Murray (@PattyMurray) November 15, 2023