University Health Services ran an advertisement in both student newspapers last Tuesday notifying students that emergency contraceptive pills were available from UHS. The advertisement generated much controversy from groups opposing abortion, but UHS was justified in running it.
The emergency contraceptive prevents the uterine wall from being able to support a fertilized egg. Though it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter distribution-something that seems unlikely given the conservative tilt in Washington today-several other organizations, including the American Medical Association, have called it safe. UHS is offering over-the-phone prescriptions for those who desire to get the pill before Spring Break.
The advertisement UHS ran advocates condom use and other responsible behavior, and the name \emergency contraception"" itself implies that it is a last resort. But the fact is that condoms do not always work. Given that Spring Break is conducive to lots of random hookups, it is important to make options such as emergency contraception available.
The advertisement itself was not presented particularly well. Condom use was discussed in small type at the bottom of the page, and the design made emergency contraception seem like less of a last resort than it should have. However, UHS is right to offer that last resort and right to publicize this service.
