Adam & Eve and adameve.com recently conducted a survey of over 1,000 people regarding women's choices in birth control, including sterilization and over-the-counter abortion pills. The surveys explored public opinion on women's autonomy in reproductive decisions.

Birth Control Choice and Partner Consent

On August 10, 2023, Adam & Eve and adameve.com, described as America's most trusted source for adult products, released findings from a survey of over 1,000 individuals. The survey asked, "Do you believe women should be able to choose the form of birth control they use?"

The results indicated that 81% of respondents believe women should be able to choose their own type of birth control. This figure included 78% of males and 84% of females. A smaller percentage, just over 13% of those polled, stated that a woman can choose her birth control with her partner's agreement, with 15% of males and 12% of females holding this view. Only 2% of respondents believed a woman should not be able to choose her own birth control method, while 3% were unsure (4% males and 2% females).

Dr. Jenni Skyler, PhD, LMFT, CST, and resident sexologist at Adam & Eve, noted that "Since 1965, women have had the power to control their own reproductive decisions." She added that prior to the legalization of the birth control pill, women relied on partners for protection from STDs and pregnancy. Dr. Skyler also mentioned that "Even today, many doctors refuse to perform tubal ligation or female sterilization without a partner's consent." She characterized the ability to choose birth control as a significant component of bodily autonomy, suggesting that ideally, a couple is aligned in this decision, and if not, they "may want to reconsider having sex together."

Chad Davis, Director of Marketing for Adam & Eve, stated that "Adam & Eve started over 50 years ago as a mail order condom company, and we still provide a wide variety of condoms today."

Over-the-Counter Abortion Pills Survey

On February 9, 2024, Adam & Eve and adameve.com released results from another survey of over 1,000 people, this time asking if over-the-counter abortion pills should be legally available to women in the U.S. The survey was conducted by an independent third-party survey company and involved over 1,000 American adults aged 18 and up, sponsored by Adam & Eve to study sexual preferences and practices.

Currently, mifepristone and/or misoprostol pills, which cause an "at-home abortion," are available only from a doctor, nurse, health clinic, or Planned Parenthood. These pills are considered safe and effective. The survey noted that as access to abortion becomes more difficult due to state laws, some individuals are exploring self-managed abortion and the potential for an over-the-counter option.

The survey found that just over 49% of respondents believed over-the-counter abortion pills should be legally available to women under any circumstance. Another 24% said they should be available under certain circumstances. Nearly 20% of respondents stated that abortion pills should not be legally available, and an additional 7% were unsure.

Dr. Jenni Skyler commented on the topic, stating, "Abortion is and will always be a controversial subject." She added, "In the end, abortion is a woman’s personal decision that hopefully involves her partner."

Chad Davis reiterated that "Adam & Eve got its start providing condoms by mail, and we still offer a wide variety of condoms to support easy access to affordable birth control." He also stated, "We encourage adults to explore their sexuality within their own comfort levels and boundaries."

Historical Context of Sexual Freedom

The broader context of sexual freedom and its impact has been a subject of examination. The book "Adam and Eve after the Pill" by Mary Eberstadt discusses the sexual revolution as a significant milestone in human history, noting the severing of sex and procreation. Eberstadt's work contends that sexual freedom has, paradoxically, led to widespread discontent. She draws on various sources, including sociologists Pitirim Sorokin and Carle Zimmerman, philosopher G.E.M. Anscombe, and novelist Tom Wolfe, along with feminists, food writers, musicians, and other voices from popular culture. The book examines the social changes caused by the sexual revolution, asking questions such as "Is food the new sex?" and "Is pornography the new tobacco?"

Key Facts

  • Adam & Eve and adameve.com surveyed over 1,000 people on birth control choices.
  • 81% of respondents believe women should choose their own birth control method.
  • Just over 13% of those polled said a woman can choose birth control with her partner's agreement.
  • A separate survey by adameve.com found just over 49% felt over-the-counter abortion pills should be legally available under any circumstance.
  • Dr. Jenni Skyler, resident sexologist at Adam & Eve, noted that women have had reproductive decision-making power since 1965.
  • Chad Davis, Director of Marketing for Adam & Eve, stated the company began over 50 years ago as a mail order condom company.