Temple’s Planned Parenthood Generation Action (PPGTU) seeks to raise awareness about affordable health care and often participates in collaborations with other student organizations like Student Sexual Activists Against Sexual Assault (SAASA) and Peer Led Sex Ed.
PPGTU’s latest initiative is to bring emergency contraceptive vending machines across Temple’s main campus. Their goal was inspired by the responses to their anonymous google form, which asked students if they would find low-cost Plan B vending machines useful on campus. Students’ support through poll responses inspired the PPGTU e-board and their advisor, who suggested the next steps to gather funding and administrative support.
On Jan. 29, PPGTU created a Change.org petition, which has been endorsed by many Temple organizations including Alpha Delta Mu Honor Society, Feminist Alliance, Peer Led Sex Ed, PERIOD., SAASA , Phi Mu Delta Fraternity, Temple Democrats and Queer Temple News.
As a new member of PPGTU, I have a newfound motivation to spread our message about accessible and affordable healthcare.
Many students don’t know the resources they have available to them or could have available to them. Emergency contraceptives are available at many drugstores, but they are expensive, and interacting with others can be uncomfortable for many people.
Student Health Services does offer emergency contraceptives for a more affordable cost but there is still a lengthy process to get access to it. SHS requires a phone call from the student for them to be sent a questionnaire of six questions. Then the nurses must approve the student for emergency contraceptive access.
SHS also has limited hours on the weekend, it’s a race against the clock considering most contraceptives are most effective within about 72 hours of sex. Many students also have to deal with heightened anxiety around doctors’ offices as there is a legitimate fear of running into someone you know.
The machine that PPGTU is fighting for would provide different types of oral contraceptive like Plan B or Julie for low prices and eliminate the human interaction side.
Students shouldn’t feel shame or embarrassment for practicing their right to healthcare, and the machines would be totally anonymous.
The vending machine would also include a detailed list on the side, guiding you on which emergency contraceptive would be best for you or if you should even use one at all.
Abortion doesn’t have to be such a taboo topic and students should have immediate access to the healthcare they need on their campus, whenever they need it.
Temple wouldn’t be the first campus in the country to push this forward; many colleges and universities across the country have emergency contraceptive vending machines already available including George Washington University, Brown University, Stanford University and many others.
PPGTU has many ways for students to get involved, aside from the push for the vending machine. The club will be hosting a Valentine’s Day fundraiser in the Student Center on Feb. 13 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. Those who want to get involved or learn more about PPGTU can reach out via social media.