In today’s world, understanding and prioritizing reproductive health is essential, especially for college students navigating new relationships and experiences. As issues surrounding reproductive rights become increasingly prominent, students must have access to reliable information and resources.
This guide will show you one of the most valuable resources available through FSU’s Generation Action, their new Reproductive Health Pantry!
What is Generation Action?
Generation Action is a network of student-led organizations under Planned Parenthood, a non-profit organization focused on educating U.S. citizens on reproductive health and providing affordable sexual healthcare services.
After the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, many Planned Parenthood locations have faced challenges from anti-abortion policies and protests. Their website acknowledges that since Donald Trump’s election in 2016, his administration has been slowly “defunding” the organization by altering Title X — the only federal grant program dedicated to family planning — thus preventing clinics from providing abortion counseling and referrals.
Still, Planned Parenthood remains a prevalent and valuable resource for those who need any of its services, which couldn’t be clearer than through FSU’s Generation Action. The organization’s goal is to teach students about reproductive health, fight for reproductive freedoms in Florida, and provide necessary resources for students to stay sexually safe.
Where is the Reproductive Health Pantry?
The Sexual & Reproductive Health Pantry is hosted by the Pride Student Union (PSU), located on the third floor of the Student Union, Room 323. The pantry is closed on weekends and on any day when campus isn’t open. Its operating hours are limited due to the reliance on student volunteers. These hours are essential to keep in mind, especially if you need something urgently.
The pantry in the PSU office contains everything one needs to stay sexually and reproductively healthy. It’s all completely free: pads, tampons, condoms, dental dams, lube, Plan B, pregnancy tests, and even Narcan. All of these items are available for free for FSU students, and Generation Action’s executive board makes sure the shelves stay stocked!
Suppose you don’t have a chance to visit the pantry or just want to spend time with the lovely members of Generation Action. In that case, there are usually reproductive health resources given out at their informative events, such as bingo, ice cream socials, or open mic nights.
Why is Reproductive Health Important?
Reproductive health is particularly crucial in college, as this is a time when many students become increasingly sexually active. Before I enrolled at FSU, I remember hearing that the sexually transmitted disease (STD) rate was so alarming, it was rumored that the college created its own strain of gonorrhea. Although this isn’t true, Leon County indeed has high rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and the highest rates of HIV in the past 10 years.
According to the CDC, nearly half of all new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each year are among people in the age group 15-24. This is primarily due to a lack of safe sex education and easy access to contraception. Many STIs don’t cause noticeable symptoms, so the only way to be sure is to get annual testing.
Reproductive healthcare is also essential for family planning. Sexually active people need to be aware of the risks of getting pregnant and make informed decisions about having children. In the U.S., there are approximately 330,000 children in the child welfare system, and around 400,000 children in the foster care system. These statistics emphasize the importance of waiting until one is ready to have a child, and resources like Generation Action help with this by providing access to free Plan B and contraception.
How to Support
As a student, you can support Generation Action by joining their GroupMe or by applying for their community service committee or legislative committee. If you don’t want to join the group but still want to learn more about reproductive health and justice, you should follow their Instagram to stay up to date on events, giveaways, or get-togethers.
In this current political climate, Planned Parenthood needs more help than ever. You can help by donating money, volunteering your time, and advocating for reproductive rights through political action. Suppose you don’t have much time or money to offer. Planned Parenthood’s Instagram often posts about reproductive health education and justice, so you can easily share this vital message with your followers.
Understanding and prioritizing reproductive health is crucial for students at FSU and beyond. Generation Action’s Reproductive Health Pantry provides vital resources that enable students to take charge of their sexual health with confidence.
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