By Elise Ramos / The Jambar
Ohio’s “Conception Begins at Erection Act,” proposed by Democratic state Reps. Anita Somani and Tristan Rader, aims to make it illegal for men to engage in sexual activities without the intent to procreate.
“If you think it’s absurd to regulate men, then you should think it’s equally absurd to regulate women,” Somani stated on her Bluesky account.
The proposed Ohio bill includes exceptions for masturbation, using a condom, sperm donation and sexual activities within the LGBTQ+ community.
In comparison, “Contraception Begins at Erection Act,” introduced by Mississippi Sen. Bradford Blackmon, would make it unlawful for a person to discharge genetic material without the intent to fertilize an embryo.
The bill includes exceptions for sperm donation and using contraception to prevent fertilization. The Mississippi bill targets the discharge of genetic material, while Ohio’s “Conception Begins at Erection Act,” focuses on the intent to procreate during sexual activities.
Both bills propose fines of $1,000 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second offense and $10,000 for subsequent offenses. The penalties would aim to deter repeat offenders and promote compliance with the law.
If passed, the bill could impact college students in Ohio, affecting sexual behavior and access to reproductive health services.
The Jambar offered a survey on the topic. Of the 26 anonymous participants, it was closely split on those who support the bill and those who are against it.
When asked how important it is for universities to provide free contraceptives and sexual health resources to students, 77% of respondents answered it is very important. The other 11.5% responded that it is somewhat important.
Another question asked in the survey was, “What are your thoughts on the ‘Contraception Begins at Erection Act’ and its potential impact on reproductive health regulations?” The responses varied.
One respondent expressed strong support for the bill and said, “This bill is a genius way to combat the destructive narrative that the right is pushing. Taking away reproductive rights and consistently policing women while leaving men alone is blatantly misogynistic and will drive this country further backwards.”
A second respondent had a different perspective and stated, “It’s invasive and dystopian.”
A third respondent questioned the practicality and implications of the bill and said, “One, how is that going to be able to be proved? Two, it highlights the problems with the American style of government, rather than prioritizing the needs of the people. The state instead panders to none, while patting themselves on the back.”
Optimism was expressed by another respondent who said, “I would like to be optimistic and say that it will hopefully make light of how much regulation is put upon women. Someone’s ability to reproduce and their feelings towards having a child are dependent on so many factors, and the level of nuance that leads people to decide to keep or terminate a pregnancy or stay in a child’s life is vast.”
Finally, one respondent shared a traditional view and stated, “I personally believe that sex should be reserved for marriage and for procreation … I would support a bill that would emphasize the traditional view of sex and responsibility to raise children with both parents.”
The diverse responses illustrate the wide range of perspectives on the “Contraception Begins at Erection Act,” which highlights the complexity and sensitivity of reproductive health issues.
Youngstown State University offers reproductive health education through various initiatives and collaborations.
The student organization Pro-Choice Penguins, formerly known as Planned Parenthood Generation Action, actively promotes sexual health awareness by distributing free contraceptives to students.