Women’s health deserves more than a political debate

In today’s society, women’s reproductive health is too often reduced to a political debate, framed within the narrow confines of over-simplified choices: Allow birth control or don’t. Allow abortion or don’t. Allow IVF or don’t. These stark divisions minimize the complexity and nuance of women’s health, missing the deeper truth that women, even from a young age, possess a profound understanding of their own bodies. This intrinsic knowledge should not be subjected to political tug-of-war. Instead, the focus should shift to empowering women through education and supporting health care professionals who aim to teach women about their reproductive health in a more comprehensive and meaningful way.

Unfortunately, what is frequently overlooked in these debates is that there exists an alternative approach to women’s reproductive health—one that goes beyond the limited options typically presented. This approach is rooted in fertility awareness-based methods and the growing field of Restorative Reproductive Medicine. These methods offer women the tools to understand and monitor their own fertility by tracking daily biomarkers such as cervical fluid observations, basal body temperature, and urinary hormone levels. With proper education, these methods can be as effective as conventional contraceptive methods, with success rates ranging from 95% to 99% in preventing pregnancy, depending on the user’s intentions. Moreover, they come without the side effects commonly associated with hormonal contraceptives, implants, and IUDs.

Fertility awareness-based methods are not just about preventing pregnancy. They also provide health care professionals with the training to address and treat conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Endometriosis, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Postpartum Depression, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Menstrual Migraines, and Irregular Cycles. By focusing on identifying and treating the root causes of menstrual irregularities, this field offers a path to improved health that extends far beyond a woman’s reproductive years. Addressing these underlying health issues early can significantly alter a woman’s overall health trajectory, leading to better outcomes and a higher quality of life.

One of the most empowering aspects of fertility awareness-based methods is their accessibility. These methods have been successfully taught to women of all education and literacy levels around the world. The cost of education in these methods is comparatively inexpensive, especially when weighed against the costs of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and the treatment of potential side effects from contraceptive methods. By learning to monitor their own fertility naturally, women gain the power to make informed decisions about their health—decisions that reflect true reproductive freedom.

Women’s reproductive health should not be reduced to a series of political decisions. It is a complex and deeply personal aspect of women’s lives that deserves more than a binary, politicized approach. By shifting our focus to education and the promotion of Restorative Reproductive Medicine, we can empower women with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their health in a way that respects their intrinsic understanding of their bodies. This, ultimately, is the path to true reproductive freedom—one that transcends politics and honors the wisdom that women have always possessed.

Monica Minjeur, DO, is a Cedar Rapids physician who has practiced Restorative Reproductive Medicine for the last 12 years and, in 2023, founded Radiant Clinic as a women’s health center that treats women with reproductive concerns to help women achieve natural menstrual cycles to improve health and have a better understanding of their fertility.