Where Is the Pill for the “Reproductive Man?”: A Content Analysis of Contemporary US Newspaper Articles

Abstract

We used content analysis methodology to examine the reasons newspaper articles ( n = 121) provide for why we do not have new male contraceptives (NMCs). Articles were six times more likely to state that developing NMCs is good than bad. Yet half of all articles noted the safety or side effects of NMCs, which could leave the public with a sense of confusion or hesitation around the science and interest in NMCs. Our results indicate that while articles recognize the advantages of NMCs and are ostensibly supportive of them, we as a society are not yet culturally ready for them. We highlight the emergence of a new cultural narrative regarding men and contraceptive responsibility, which we refer as the “reproductive man” because he considers himself a reproductive being who needs to take ownership and responsibility for his reproductive activity and decisions.