With the whole abortion issue making shockwaves, why bother me for keeping condoms in my purse?

While rummaging through my purse, looking for my cheque book, someone bumped into me and horror of horrors, all the contents fell out of the purse, scattering on the floor. Among the things that fell out were two packets of ‘O’ condoms. I didn’t make a scene as I picked up my stuff but I could hear some people laughing, jeering and making outrageous comments. The worst moment was when a woman in the queue opined that today’s young women are immoral. It was so disheartening that she, of all people, judged me for no reason at all. Carrying condoms in my purse does not mean that I’m careless. Rather it shows that I’m responsible and in control of my life. I felt extremely low and I started regretting the fact that I had carried the condoms in my purse. But when I remembered the ongoing abortion debate I came to the realisation that people, especially women, need to be sensitised further about sexuality and reproductive health. For Christ sake, I am in my late twenties and well above the age of consent. Just because I’m not married doesn’t mean that I’m not sexually active. Using a condom is not a crime. As a young woman, I’m trying to protect myself from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. In fact if we are to discourage abortions, the use of contraceptives should be encouraged. As the common saying in English goes, ‘prevention is better than cure’. Therefore, before people start debating on the amendment of the abortion clause, can they first figure out how to make sure young men and women who are sexually active acquire contraceptives?