KRT CampusWhen we talk about sex, we often discuss the most exciting places we’ve had it, the most interesting positions we’ve tried and the people we’ve had it with. Or maybe we talk about sexual frustration-how long it’s been since the last time or the sexual setbacks we’ve encountered.
But rarely do we discuss the possible repercussions of sex or hear about people who have endured those repercussions.
So what exactly should a Washington University student do if she fears she might be pregnant? If she decides to handle the situation through the school, the University has ample resources available to support and assist her.
Pregnancy can be verified through lab testing at Student Health Services. If the results are positive, the student can subsequently meet with Stacy Selbert, a women’s health nurse practitioner at Student Health Services, to discuss her options and possibly be referred to services available in the community. The testing is free, but there is a $15 co-pay for the visit.
“We have to evaluate each personal situation individually,” said Selbert, regarding her assessment of patients’ options.
While Student Health Services doesn’t directly provide services like abortions, Selbert can provide information about outside community resources that do.
Any student that meets with Selbert can rest assured that the process is completely confidential. Beyond being school policy, this confidentiality is provided for under Missouri state law. Selbert, therefore, has no obligation to inform the student’s parents about the pregnancy.
Selbert said she refers patients who decide to get an abortion to either Reproductive Health Services of the St. Louis Region or the Hope Clinic, and she is “happy to address any questions and concerns students may have to the best of [her] ability regarding termination services.”
Selbert also acknowledges, however, that when a patient goes to a clinic she is “counseled in depth regarding the process and potential outcomes, both physically and mentally.”
Most clinics, as well as Student Health Services, will also provide follow-up care if a student decides to have an abortion.
Selbert also discusses the option of adoption with patients who, for ethical, physical or other personal reasons refuse to terminate a pregnancy but do not believe they’re ready to raise a child.
“We do have community resources if someone wanted to adopt out,” said Selbert.
As pregnant students are not required to utilize the resources Student Health Services makes available, it is difficult to determine any statistical information about unwanted pregnancies at the University. Many students are likely afraid of or uncomfortable with the school knowing such personal information.
“Students do not have to come through Student Health Services in order to obtain obstetrical care with the student health insurance,” said Selbert.
Once a student has evaluated her options and reached a decision, she has another thing to worry about: school.
“Students who might need to take time off for issues related to pregnancy are eligible to take a medical leave of absence,” said Dr. Alan I. Glass, director of Student Health Services.
Glass also said that a pregnant student can stay on the student health insurance plan for the length of her medical leave. In order to obtain a leave, a student would have to contact Student Health Services, but the office cannot reveal the reason for the student’s leave of absence until the student has submitted written permission.
In addition to helping students handle unexpected and unwanted pregnancies, the University works to prevent them. Selbert noted that the University offers education through Student Health Services and Health Promotional Services. And, as many already know, Student Health Services keeps a stash of free condoms.
Selbert adds that any female seeking other forms of contraception can be seen in Student Health Services.
“We offer the full range of contraceptive choices, both hormonal and non-hormonal options: birth control pills, patches, rings, injections, IUDs and diaphragms for a fee,” said Selbert.
The only condition is that the student has had a gynecological exam within the last 12 months, whether at Student Health Services or elsewhere.
According to Selbert, birth control is “readily available” at Student Health Services.
“You don’t even have to leave campus to attain it,” Selbert said.
Getting a birth control prescription, however, does require a student to make an appointment first to discuss her situation and some of her health history with a professional who can then find the best prescription for her. According to Selbert, this is yet another “very individualized” process.
Another option for avoiding an unwanted pregnancy is emergency contraception. Plan B is available at Student Health Services for a nominal fee of eight dollars.
According to the Student Health Services Web site, Plan B “works to prevent pregnancy by temporarily stopping the release of an egg from a woman’s ovary” or by “prevent[ing] fertilization” if taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. It cannot work if a woman is already pregnant.
Selbert said that students seeking Plan B “don’t have to have a visit.” Nevertheless, they will be required to take a urine pregnancy test at no charge (though there is a $20 fee for non-University students).
Selbert said that the pregnancy test is only necessary if the first day of the student’s last menstrual cycle was more than one month before the day she needs Plan B.
Plan B is available at the Student Health Services medical clinic between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and also in the infirmary after clinic hours while school is in session.
Even if a student dealing with pregnancy-related problems cannot find her answers directly through Student Health Services, Selbert pointed out that women can receive pamphlets of information and be referred to outside community resources that can help.