August 29, 2007

Birth Control Costs Increase at College Health Centers

The Deficit Reduction Act, signed into law on February 8, 2006, includes a provision that adversely affects the ability of health centers to purchase contraceptives at a discounted or nominal price. The provision went into effect on January 1, 2007.
Policy makers in Congress have since acknowledged the error and have been working to find a vehicle to attach a no-cost, technical correction. At TellThem!, we have been following this issue and will be working with national partners to make sure that South Carolina college students have all the access they need to family planning services.
Reproductive health is so important for all of our SC college students. The facts are that:
- 1 out of every four women experience unwanted sexual intercourse while attending college (Indiana University)- At least 69% of females and 64% of males have had sexual intercourse at age 18-19 (CDC)- Over half (54%) of all unwanted pregnancies occur to women in their twenties (National Campaign)- Between 20-25% of college students have either been infected with an STD or have transmitted one to their sexual partners (Go Ask Alice)
The Charleston Post and Courier printed this wonderful letter to the editor regarding this issue today.
Contraception costs
The increase in birth control costs on college campuses is going to hit home with students at the University of South Carolina and Clemson University.
As a college student, I could not imagine adding any additional costs to my already limited budget. The price increase will likely lead to an increase in students not using protection.
It shouldn’t have to be this way. In the Deficit Reduction Act, which went into effect in January, Congress inadvertently changed a rule and made it harder for universities and some family-planning providers to provide their patients with affordable birth control. This is a simple problem for Congress to fix — it will cost the government nothing and can be done immediately.
Students shouldn’t have to jump through hoops just to practice safer sex, especially when the fix is so easy. Congress should be making it easier, not harder, for women to have access to affordable contraception.

BROOKE SPIVEY
The Box Organization
College of Charleston
66 George St.