The Role of Media on Emergency Contraception Essay Example for Free

The Role of Media on Emergency Contraception Essay The purpose of this paper is to examine the role media has played in shaping public perception of emergency contraception. Some of the major issues found in the key findings of empirical studies and current cognition, and the relevance for everyday life will all be discussed. Media such as news and internet represent the most easily remediable influence on people and their views even down to their sexual attitudes and behaviors. â€Å"In 1922, Lippmann argued that mass communication could become the basis for people’s views of the world† (Perse, 2001). After much empirical research, ninety years later there is no disbelief that the media can be very influential on many issues. The media has influenced popular opinion in many controversial matters and one of the most controversial is emergency contraception. What has been the role of the media in shaping public perception of emergency contraception? That very question is what this paper will address. Before examining the role media has played on the public’s perception it is important that a general understanding about what emergency contraception is be established. Emergency contraception (EC) or the morning after pill is a contraception that prevents pregnancy after unprotected sexual intercourse due to contraception failure, non-use or rape. EC may work in two ways: 1) by inhibiting ovulation or 2) by preventing the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus; however, it cannot work if you’re already pregnant. EC is not an abortion pill. Furthermore, use of EC can reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy by up to 75%-89% if taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse or ontraception failure. According to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP) â€Å"unintended pregnancy continues to be a major public health issue in the United States. † Out of the 6-million pregnancies in the United States each year about one-half are unintended. (See Figure 1) Figure [ 1 ] Annual Pattern of Pregnancies in the United States: Intended versus unintended (6. 3million pregnancies totals). Data Source: Association of Re productive Health Professionals October 16, 2012. After several years of petitioning by various officialdoms the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finally approved EC for over the counter (OTC) sale to women 17 years of age and older in 2009. However, recent research has shown that EC seems to be underused. Whereas access to EC has been improved â€Å"its success is linked to the dissemination of accurate information about EC via trusted informational sources, such as family, friends, healthcare providers, and the media† (Vahratian, Patel, Wolff, Xiao, 2008). Today information is gained from many different sources types, news stories which are ranked second according to how reliable they are generally perceived to be, the Internet and television; but not all sources convey accurate information. In 2010 the World Health Organization (WHO) put out an official report discussing the effects of media’s coverage on emergency contraception. According to the authors muck raking news analysis was most likely connected to why use of EC pills were still low and pregnancy rates still high. The WHO listed BBC as one of the news organizations inaccurately reporting on EC. Reports that â€Å"regular usage of emergency contraception may cause infertility and in some instances increase the risk of cancer† (Westley Glasier 2010) had only alarmed women and may have kept some from using the method when they needed it most. Sometimes these stories are picked up by Internet bloggers, reporters etc. and circulated like an illness. Today, the echo chamber that is the Internet can quickly spread and amplify media stories, particularly if they are sensational. An e-mail circulating for several years describes a true story of a woman who died of a stroke while on hormonal birth control; recently, this story morphed and now states the cause of death continuously taking the morning-after pill (Westley et al. , 2010). Stories such as that are then picked up by the populist and the disease of misinformation continues. Stretching half-truths to the point where people believe them . Education on EC continues to be very important aspect on perception and use. However, even in places where knowledge of EC is higher like in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, use stayed low. A big reason for this is that education on fertility, contraception and pregnancy risk is poor. Further compounded by factually incorrect media coverage, which Westley et al. considered to be motivated by concerns over sexual irresponsibility, and was hidden behind false scientific validation. Given that EC is now accessible OTC in the US to women who meet the age limit, proper public health messages should be established to increase women’s awareness of, dismiss myths about, and encourage correct use of emergency contraception as an instrument to help avoid unintended pregnancy and birth. â€Å"Accurate media coverage has played an important role in spreading the news about health risks, healthy behaviors and new products; sensationalist and frightening coverage can have the opposite effect†( Westley Glasier 2010), hence the significance of factual information. Subsequently media coverage that paints a negative light with inaccurate information has given sensationalists with an agenda fuel against EC use. This is often seen from politicians, religious groups and other activist. Essentially the right for a woman to choose has been tossed in the political ring. Thus the media jumps all over it playing it up. Some of these individuals believe that because EC pills may work by stopping the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus, that this is abortion. â€Å"The moral equivalent of homicide,† as Dr. Donna Harrison, is quoted, the director of research for the American Association of Pro-life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Republican Party Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum have also made similar statements recently calling EC â€Å"abortive pills. † However, according to an article published recently in the New York Times theses qualms maybe unfounded. â€Å"It turns out that the politically charged debate over morning-after pills and abortion, a divisive issue in this election year, is probably rooted in outdated or incorrect scientific guesses about how the pills work† (Belluck, New York Times, 2012). It maybe that package labeling is the root to the fertilized egg debate. Leading scientists are saying that studies have not proven that EC pills inhibit fertilized eggs from implanting in the uterus. Rather they postpone ovulation, release of eggs from ovaries that happens before eggs are fertilized, and others â€Å"thicken cervical mucus so sperm have trouble swimming† (Belluck, New York Times, 2012). Obviously there is a need to re-educate policy makers (who hold women reproductive rights in their hands) on EC and advance their knowledge about EC. In addition, it’s also been reported that EC has slashed abortion rates but James Trussell, a Princeton population researcher said â€Å"The impact is still too small, considering that each year million American women have unintended pregnancies more than a million of which end in abortions† (Health Study, 2002). There were 47,000 fewer abortions that can be explained by the growth in EC use from 1994 to 2000 a forty-three percent drop. Figure 2 shows nationwide, the number of abortions. Similarly, the abortion rate declined 29 percent over the same period, from 27. 4 per 1,000 women aged 15-44 to 19. 4 per 1,000. Figure [ 2 ] Data Source: Ms. Magazine. com October 16, 2012 The chief concern in all of this and the relevance for everyday life is the health issues linked to unintended pregnancy. Now a common problem in the US approximately 1 in 20 women between the ages of 15 and 44 reported an unintended pregnancy in 2001. This epidemic of unintended pregnancy can have negative health repercussions for both the newborn and mother. Unintended pregnancy has been associated with delays in obtaining early prenatal care (sometimes connected with delays in pregnancy recognition) and delays in curtailing or ceasing tobacco and alcohol use, all of which can adversely affect fetal development. Women who have an unintended pregnancy are less likely to take vitamins and, consequently, have an increased risk of a neural tube defect in the fetus. Infants born to women who had not intended the pregnancy are more likely to be of low birth weight, premature and/or small for gestational age. In addition, there is some evidence that unintended pregnancy is associated with child abuse and neglect suggesting that unintended pregnancy can have long-term adverse health implications for the infant† (Goldsmith, 2008). Conclusions There is hardly any question if media influences not only views but behaviors of people. However, sometimes those influences may be factor on half-truths and misconceptions. Success or failure depends on the information received. Even though EC has been approved by the FDA research has still shown an under usage, and no expected impact on unintended pregnancy. According to WHO inaccurate muck raking reports are linked to why usage of EC is low. The Internet is also a place where misinformation is widely spread. Sensationalist, politicians and religious groups follow the misinformation as a platform to the agendas. This is hidden behind false scientific justification, and powered by the want to control a woman’s choice to reproductive health. While countering every health-related rumor on the Internet and inaccurate story in local newspapers and magazines is surely a fools errand, it is increasingly important to be ready with the facts when reporters, community members and patients voice concerns† (Westley et al. , 2010). It is important that accurate media coverage is conveyed not to ward off women if they are in need of EC. There are times and situations as rape or incest where access to EC can be better than the alternatives such as abortion. In addition, the general public must be informed of the attributes, side effects, and availability of EC. Based upon my research I found that EC maybe an underutilized resource because the big impression media leaves on people and their views. Lack of knowledge about EC continues to be a barrier to its use. It is my personal opinion that use and access to EC is better than the alternative of unintended pregnancies. Many people have their opinion on this matter case in point one I don’t agree with that of Richard Mourdock. Quote: â€Å"I’ve struggled with it myself for a long time, but I came to realize that life is that gift from God. And even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen† he says that he struggled with this issue, but he really has not, and never will. Policy makers who have never struggled to keep a rapist from violating their body, nor will ever grapple with the decision to end a pregnancy should not be the one deciding what should happen as a next step.

Hamlet is Not the Protagonist Essay -- Essays on Shakespeare Hamlet

Hamlet is Not the Protagonist      Ã‚  Ã‚   Upon reading Hamlet or watching a rendition of the great Shakespearean tragedy, the casual audience member might be tempted to view the character Hamlet as the virtuous individual who encounters grief because of a tragic flaw.   This is after all, the formula for any modern tragedy.   In fact, the presumption is accurate with one exception.   Hamlet is not a virtuous individual.      While the play revolves around Hamlet, Hamlet is not the protagonist.   Rather, he is like the main characters in The Day of the Jackal or Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in that he is really the antagonist or contra vida with which the audience finds itself sympathizing.   This is most clearly evidenced in the ease with which Hamlet is able to kill innocent characters and subsequently disregard his actions.   Examples of this are the time he kills Polonius and then lightheartedly criticizes himself for killing the wrong person and the time he sends his innocent childhood friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to their deaths because their disloyalty displeased him.   In addition, Hamlet also dismisses the death of his love, Ophelia, when she drowns in the river.    The reason Hamlet is this way is that he has lost faith in humanity; as G. Wilson Knight puts it, "He has seen through humanity."   He sees the reality of the world to be that evil rules.   Because of this, Hamlet becomes a cynic, in that he is critical of the motives of others.   One example of this is the time when Hamlet scoffs at Laertes' show of grief for the death of Ophelia as he dives in the grave after him.   He does not believe that the sentiments expressed by Laertes are sincere.      For these reasons, Hamlet's "inhuman cynic... ...audius is guilty.    Although Hamlet is obviously the main character of the play, he is not the protagonist that one would expect.   He shifts to the dark side when he vows to avenge the death of his father.   Hamlet had a tragic flaw, his inability to act when it was most important for him.   However, it was not because of this tragic flaw that he encountered grief.   His flaw only brought him death.   Without it, he would still be a miserable, slightly insane cynic unable to find happiness.   While Hamlet is obviously a tragedy, Shakespeare did not follow the tragic formula exactly.   Perhaps this is why the play is so popular and is considered his greatest work.    Works Cited Knight, G. Wilson.   "The Embassy of Death."   The Wheel of Fire.   London:   Methuen & Co., 1954. Shakespeare, William.   Hamlet.   New York:   The Folger Shakespeare Library,   1992. Hamlet is Not the Protagonist Essay -- Essays on Shakespeare Hamlet Hamlet is Not the Protagonist      Ã‚  Ã‚   Upon reading Hamlet or watching a rendition of the great Shakespearean tragedy, the casual audience member might be tempted to view the character Hamlet as the virtuous individual who encounters grief because of a tragic flaw.   This is after all, the formula for any modern tragedy.   In fact, the presumption is accurate with one exception.   Hamlet is not a virtuous individual.      While the play revolves around Hamlet, Hamlet is not the protagonist.   Rather, he is like the main characters in The Day of the Jackal or Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in that he is really the antagonist or contra vida with which the audience finds itself sympathizing.   This is most clearly evidenced in the ease with which Hamlet is able to kill innocent characters and subsequently disregard his actions.   Examples of this are the time he kills Polonius and then lightheartedly criticizes himself for killing the wrong person and the time he sends his innocent childhood friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to their deaths because their disloyalty displeased him.   In addition, Hamlet also dismisses the death of his love, Ophelia, when she drowns in the river.    The reason Hamlet is this way is that he has lost faith in humanity; as G. Wilson Knight puts it, "He has seen through humanity."   He sees the reality of the world to be that evil rules.   Because of this, Hamlet becomes a cynic, in that he is critical of the motives of others.   One example of this is the time when Hamlet scoffs at Laertes' show of grief for the death of Ophelia as he dives in the grave after him.   He does not believe that the sentiments expressed by Laertes are sincere.      For these reasons, Hamlet's "inhuman cynic... ...audius is guilty.    Although Hamlet is obviously the main character of the play, he is not the protagonist that one would expect.   He shifts to the dark side when he vows to avenge the death of his father.   Hamlet had a tragic flaw, his inability to act when it was most important for him.   However, it was not because of this tragic flaw that he encountered grief.   His flaw only brought him death.   Without it, he would still be a miserable, slightly insane cynic unable to find happiness.   While Hamlet is obviously a tragedy, Shakespeare did not follow the tragic formula exactly.   Perhaps this is why the play is so popular and is considered his greatest work.    Works Cited Knight, G. Wilson.   "The Embassy of Death."   The Wheel of Fire.   London:   Methuen & Co., 1954. Shakespeare, William.   Hamlet.   New York:   The Folger Shakespeare Library,   1992.

Little Miss Sunshine

â€Å"By the end, all have achieved a deeper appreciation of the others, a deeper understanding of the value of family, a better life were love, solidarity and understanding replace hatred, sarcasm and anger. † Little Miss Sunshine (2006) directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, is an American road-comedy that shatters the mold. Incredibly satirical and ironic yet, is how deeply human as the Hover family is one of the most appealing in recent film history. The film has a fabulous beginning in which you meet each Hoover individually, pointing out their great differences, during their personal moments through a series of montage shots. Throughout the road trip the family suffers many personal setbacks and discovers the need for each other’s support. Olive is the youngest of the Hoover family and the central character of Little Miss Sunshine. The film begins with her standing in front of the television mimicking the beauty pageant winner. When she finds out she has qualified in the Little Miss Sunshine pageant she is ecstatic but her Uncle, Brother and Father are not too keen on going. Because Olive is the centre of the family they all agree that it they will go and support but choose not to have any fun. Richard puts a lot of pressure on Olive when they find out she’s in the final of the pageant. After listening to her dad talking about winning and losing all the time Olive is scared her dad won’t be proud of her like her Mother would be. Olive asks her Grandpa about the pageant and losing and Grandpa tells her â€Å"Losers are people who are so afraid of not winning, they don't even try†, he is not a big fan of Richards nine steps and gives his own definition of ‘Losers’. On the way to Florida they stop at a gas station and realize they have left Olive there so they quickly turn around but Olive is still standing there waiting and is not at all worried they have forgotten her because she is the whole reason they are going. A big moment in the movie would be when there symbolic, yellow Volkswagen breaks down and they all have to push to get it started; for once they are all working together and become happier. Despite everything that happens with the Hoover family, the biggest change in Olive throughout the whole movie would be that she finally accepts herself for who she is and doesn’t care what people think of her. Richard is the father of Olive and stepfather of Dwayne. A45 year old motivational speaker, he wears pleated pants, a golf shirt and sneakers. Richard can’t cope with losers, and with his nine steps to success that’s all he talks about at home. You can tell by the old technology he uses that his nine steps are not very successful; at this point he is not a winner but has strong belief. When the family finds out Olive got into the finals of little miss sunshine Richard tries to talk them out of going because he could have a big break in his nine steps. When Sheryl tells Richard Frank is staying with them he doesn’t really care and asks about Stan Grossman calling in case he liked his proposal. Frank asks about Dwayne’s vow of silence Richard of course, goes on about his nine steps and the whole family is sick of it and tries to shut him off. Sheryl is set on taking Olive to Florida but Richard is being selfish and only cares about if Stan Grossman likes his ‘nine steps’. When Sheryl finally convinces him to go he puts a lot of pressure on Olive about winning. I think Richard changes the most in Little Miss Sunshine as at the start of the movie he only cares about himself and his nine steps but throughout the movie and when he loses his father he begins to accept his family and doesn’t care about his â€Å"big break†. At the pageant he doesn’t want Olive to go on stage because he is afraid people will make fun of her and he really starts to care. Dwayne is first seen at the start of the movie lifting weights, doing push ups and sit up. You then see him put a big cross on his calendar, by this you can see he has set a goal but not quite sure what it is yet. When the whole family is home, you notice Dwayne doesn’t talk and writes everything on a notepad. When Frank asks him about having any friends he writes on his notepad: â€Å"I hate everyone† Frank finds it weird and asks about his family, he then rolls his eyes and underlines everyone. Dwayne can not put up with Richards nine steps and when Frank asks him about his goal Richard butts in and is making it all about him. When Dwayne finds out he is colour blind during the trip he gets really agitated in the car and starts hitting his head against the wall, they final stop the car and he lets out a big scream. When Sheryl goes to try and make him feel better he just says he hates his family and wants to be left alone. They agree that they cant do much else except wait for him to calm down, when Olive goes down she just leans her head on his shoulder and I guess he realises he is being kind of selfish and for the first time in the whole movie you hear Dwayne speak and apoligises to the family. While at the beauty pageant Dwayne starts to really care for Olive and tells Sheryl not to let her on the stage otherwise everyone will make fun of her but even though one judge is shocked with Olive’s dance the rest of the family don’t care and go up and join her. Dwayne changes dramatically in the movie. Going from someone who didn’t talk, was very selfish and hated everyone to now really caring for his family, talking and overall a changed person. There are heaps of different film techniques used in Little Miss Sunshine for instance, when Dwayne tries the colour test the music goes from happy music to the music where you know something bad is going to happen and that’s when you find out Dwayne is colour blind. The opening and closing scenes are completely opposite to one another. The effect it would have on the audience would be significant, like even a dysfunctional family like the Hoovers can get through tough times, anyone can. In conclusion the movie Little Miss Sunshine was very well filmed, it had a big effect on the audience and the actors worked really well.

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