10 Ways to Expand Access to Emergency Contraception on Campus

As access to the full range of sexual and reproductive health care diminishes or disappears in some parts of the country, it is more important than ever for student affairs professionals to think creatively in supporting students in preventing unintended pregnancy. Unintended pregnancy has detrimental impacts on students wellbeing as well as educational and professional outcomes. Access to contraception is a critical piece of this puzzle, including emergency contraception (EC). EC is the only method of contraception that can be used after sexual contact that can result in pregnancy - particularly unprotected sex, contraceptive failure, and sexual assault. EC is, however, time sensitive, as its most effective when taken as soon as possible. Education and outreach to encourage students to have EC on hand (advance provision) is a great first step, however, there will be times when students need EC ASAP. The over-the-counter (OTC) method of EC, commonly known as Plan B, can be made available to students like any other OTC product. Students are more likely to seek and use EC when they have an option that is cost-sensitive, convenient, and comfortable for them. This looks different for every student, so having a wide variety of access points ensures that more students will get and use EC when they need it.

Here are 10 ways to expand access to OTC EC on campus: 

1. Health & Counseling Centers. Many campuses with health and counseling centers offer EC to students for free or at low cost during business hours, either from the front desk, pharmacy, or through an office visit. 

2. Vending Machines. Hundreds of campuses have EC or wellness vending machines that are accessible to students 24/7. These are ideal for reaching students who need EC after-hours, or who are not comfortable talking to someone else about their needs.

3. Peer Educators & Other Peer-to-Peer Models. These distribution channels are also widely used on campuses already. Peer educators trained to provide non-judgmental, credible information and referrals to students are extremely well positioned to offer EC through workshops, tabling, and one on one encounters. Peer to peer models, often connected to local or national organizations, are also utilized at institutions where there are prohibitions on or pressure not to distribute EC.

4. Confidential Resources. Students seeking immediate support for sexual assault may need time to consider which supports they want to engage, but they may also need EC without delay. If they have reached out to a confidential resource who can provide EC, they can take the time they need with other options without increasing their risk of an unintended pregnancy.

5. Retail Outlets. Campus bookstores, convenience stores, and cafes can be effective access points for students to purchase low-cost EC, especially if they accept a variety of payment methods (e.g. cash, credit cards, student accounts). 

6. Student Groups/ Greek Life. Student groups with dedicated space and/or strong social cohesion may designate a sexual health leader who can be trained to provide information, referrals, and EC to their peers in the spaces where they feel most comfortable and with people they trust. 

7. Residence Life. Residence life staff literally meet students where they are - and are often accessible after business hours. They are trained in supporting students during crises and making referrals to on and off campus resources. While they may or may not be designated confidential resources, they are an excellent touch point for EC access.

8. Affinity Groups. Many students feel most connected to an affinity group - including those based on international status, first generation status, race and/ or ethnicity, faith tradition, gender identity, sexual orientation, commuter status, or veteran status. For many, their affinity group advisor is the person they reach out to first with any problem, making them a critical point of access, particularly for students who are medically underserved or otherwise marginalized.  

9. Athletics & Recreation. Student athletes are often deeply connected to their coaches and the physical spaces where they practice and play. Providing access to EC where some student athletes spend most of their non-class time removes several barriers, particularly comfort and convenience. 

10. Religious & Spiritual Life. Many campus faith leaders actively support people in accessing the full range of reproductive health services. Like other professionals already mentioned, campus faith leaders may be the primary source of emotional support for some of the students they serve. Some campus faith leaders are also designated as confidential resources. 

Any or all of these touchpoints can be used to make EC widely and easily accessible to students. That said, students accessing EC should always be directed to credible information and trusted resources on and off campus. 

The American Society for Emergency Contraception (ASEC) provides training, technical assistance, and support to student affairs professionals, peer educators, and student advocates. ASEC also facilitates connections to distributors who are committed to keeping EC affordable for students. Students advocates who are interested in leading an effort to offer EC on campus can reach out to EC4EC.