Understanding Consent and Ethics

Consent and Domestic Violence

• One woman is killed by a man who once professed his love to her every week
• Every 2 minutes, a case of domestic violence is recorded, which translates to 720 calls a day and 37,400 per year
• 97% of all sexual assault predators are male
• Power imbalance can lead to domestic violence and toxic relationships
• The legal age of consent in Australia is 16

Ethics and Moral Views

• Morals involve knowing the difference between right and wrong
• Ethics form the framework of our moral views, influenced by religion, upbringing, and environment
• People's morals can be affected by different views and ethical ideas

Periods and Safe Sex

• The average woman's cycle is 21 to 35 days, with the average being 28 days
• Condoms are the only contraception that stops the spread of STDs
• Women are born with all their eggs, whereas males produce them daily
• Sperm can stay in the uterus for 3-5 days
• Catholics believe in using Natural Family Planning (tracking cycles and ovulation) instead of conception

The Pill

• Must be taken every day at the same time to be effective
• Can be used as a morning-after pill to reduce pregnancy risk
• Side effects include tender breasts, headaches, nausea, bloating, mood changes, and irregular spotting
• May not work with other medication taken at the same time

IUDs

• Copper IUD is placed in the uterus and lasts up to 5 years (sometimes 10)
• Stops sperm from surviving in the uterus
• Side effects include infection, cramping, longer periods, and vaginal discharge
• Hormonal IUD releases hormones for up to 5 years and works in multiple ways
• Side effects include irregular bleeding, infection, and vaginal discharge

Contraceptive Injection

• Stops ovaries from releasing an egg every month
• Thickens mucus at the entrance of the womb to stop sperm from moving into the uterus
• Side effects include irregular bleeding, weight gain, headaches, tender breasts, acne, and loss of bone density
• Long-acting hormone, taken every 12 weeks
• Useful for no periods, no need to take a pill, and safe to use while breastfeeding
• Weakness: Does not protect against STIs, and effects are not immediately reversible

Condoms

• Male and female condoms available
• No side effects unless allergic
• Benefits include reliability, effectiveness, and protection against STDs
• Negatives include decreased sexual pleasure and possible breaks or leaks

Contraceptive Implant

• Stops ovaries from releasing an egg each month
• Thickens mucus at the entrance to the uterus to stop sperm from moving into the uterus
• Benefits include no need to remember daily pills, immediate effectiveness, and safety for breastfeeding or estrogen-restricted individuals
• Fertility returns as soon as it's removed
• Regular period patterns will change, and irregular bleeding may occur
• Insertion and removal can cause bruising