Shippensburg University, a private liberal arts college in Pennsylvania with 8000 students, has been offering emergency contraception in its on-campus vending machines for the last few years. The medication is available along side condoms and pregnancy tests for $25 in the student health center.
In a study of 10,000 college students, more than 77 percent admit to being sexually active. (University of Minnesota 2007 Report on the Health and Habits of College Students) While many women in established relationships may plan ahead and use a hormonal contraceptive such as the pill, women who are having sex occasionally are more likely to use a barrier method or no method at all. In these cases as well as those of condom breakage, emergency contraception may be needed.
Emergency contraception, also known as the “morning after pill,” is a hormone or combination of hormones that acts to prevent ovulation. It interferes in the normal menstrual cycle and inhibits the hormonal surges so that an egg is never released, or at least its release is delayed. The progestin-only emergency contraceptive Plan B, which is available at Shippensburg, reduces pregnancy by 88 percent if used within 72 hours of intercourse. It is even more effective – 95 percent – if taken within 24 hours.
Side effects of emergency contraception are headache, nausea, and changes in the menstrual cycle. The timing of the next menstrual cycle after the use of the medication is unpredictable; some women will get an early cycle while others may occur up to a week late. There are no effects on future fertility.
The most important prognostic indicator for success with this medication is timing. The earlier, the better. So convenient access for women is imperative. Currently, emergency contraception is available in pharmacies for women over age 17 without a prescription. Making it available on college campuses allows even more women access to this life-changing medication. Critics of the vending machine approach suggest that the medicine may be misused or overused. However, this may happen in the drug store as well. Shippensburg’s attempt to decrease the unwanted pregnancy rate on its campus should be commended. In addition, sex education and access to contraceptive counselors would give women safe choices to ensure their reproductive health.
