Abortion Access at Universities
Seth Wenig/AP — NPR
SOPHIE DALFONSI: Barnard University, a sister school of Columbia University, recently released a plan to grant students access to on-campus abortion pills as a part of their free student healthcare plan. After the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade—the United States’ Supreme Court case regarding universal abortion rights—access to abortions across the country have been more challenging to come by.
Roe v. Wade brought the legal right to abortion across the country after Jane Roe’s lawsuit against Henry Wade in Texas in 1971. On January 22, 1973, Roe v Wade’s due process clause— the right to privacy and the women’s right to choose– was brought to light. However, with the removal of this case, legally participating in a safe abortion is much more difficult and extremely traumatic for young women across the country.
A few selective states, such as Texas, Idaho, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Missouri and a large portion of the deep South have removed abortion privileges. An example of this measure would be a total abortion ban in Alabama, a six week abortion ban in Georgia, a trigger ban in Mississippi—preventing almost all abortions—and more. Punishment for breaking these laws is jail time and a permanent criminal record. On the contrary, there are many states who have set up a “safety net” of sorts for abortion. Oregon, Washington and California have teamed up to provide a safe haven for women’s reproductive rights. Similarly, on the East Coast, New York has stood strong against the removal of abortion rights. The protection that these states are implementing allows women to have access to all necessary resources when it comes to abortion, contraception, reproductive healthcare, and overall health.
With all of these new regulations, access to abortion has become more difficult for college students, especially those in the South. As of right now, Barnard University is the only United States university that is providing abortion pills to students as a part of the student healthcare plan.
One of the main concerns about providing access to abortion at universities is the backlash from major donors and state regulations. With Barnard being a known liberal university, their step forward is not as surprising as it may seem. However, this kind of access is extremely controversial in this day and age. Many universities will continue to protect their public image by not making a drastic change within their healthcare protocols. At Georgetown University, the lack of access to contraception due to its Jesuit identity is extremely controversial within the student body. Many Georgetown students support women’s reproductive rights, and struggle with the implication of this rule. On campus groups such as Hoyas for Choice have created a program which provides contraception and Plan B to students at all times. However, on the other end of the spectrum, pro life groups on campus have created a devil's advocate.
As younger generations continue to maintain a social media presence and fight for social and political justice, universities may evolve their terms with them. This could create a surge in more versatile healthcare plans that include access to abortion. With the continuation of student support and protest, universities will have no other option than to support the campaigns of the student body, opening the door for change.
Sophie Dalfonsi is a sophomore in the College studying Political Economy and is from Bend, Oregon. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, working out, playing intramural sports, and spending time with friends.