Free pregnancy tests are now available on campus. Phi Lambda Psi began offering students this resource as of last Wednesday.

The free tests are located in two women’s restrooms on campus: one on the second floor of the Women’s Building and one in Student Health Services.

“We looked for accessible, discreet locations,” said junior Sam Lattof, the president of Phi Lambda Psi.

Rebecca Silverman, a senior and Phi Lambda Psi’s vice president of external programming, said that the organization chose the Women’s Building because they thought that it would be more convenient than the South 40 for off-campus students.

The tests come in envelopes with instructions on how to take a pregnancy test as well as pamphlets on what to do if you are pregnant. The packet also provides contraception information and sexual violence anonymous report forms.

The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) previously provided students free pregnancy tests on campus. After the WRC closed, Student Health Services asked Phi Lambda Psi if it was interested in reinstating this resource.

Phi Lambda Psi, an organization of 13 sorority women who are dedicated to the furthering of women’s health issues, answered in the affirmative.

“It is important for students to have access to pregnancy tests so that they can know their options as early as possible and calm their minds if they are not [pregnant.] Also, it is far less intimidating to pick up a pregnancy test in a bathroom than it is to purchase one at the store,” said Lattof.

Senior Nicole Sugar, the membership chair of Phi Lambda Psi, said, “We just thought of something we could do to get our name out there. We thought it was a necessary resource that is not provided, and it is cost-efficient to do it.”

Funding for the tests comes partially from Phi Lambda Psi’s resources but primarily from Student Union. Phi Lambda Psi has ordered 500 tests and it is in the process of ordering more.

Many students have already accessed this resource since last Wednesday. “About 20 people have taken tests from the Student Health Center so far. It’s good that the demand was there and it was something that we could fill. I am glad the response was so quick because it shows that there was a need for this on campus,” said Silverman.

Phi Lambda Psi anticipates that the free tests will be available in the future. “We ordered them in bulk so we should have plenty for the rest of the semester. We hope it continues in years to come,” said Sugar.

By painting the overpass, sending out Facebook announcements, and by distributing fliers, Phi Lambda Psi has been working hard to ensure that all students are aware of the free tests.

Many female students are pleased to have this resource available. To put it simply, junior Julia Mancini said, “That’s rad.”

Sophomore Katty Mattos said, “I think it’s great for people to have a local, easy source to get those kinds of things, versus students having to walk to Walgreens. It’s good there is something so close.”

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