Student Life reported today that Student Health Services is now offering Plan B emergency contraception to both sexes. This is a great step that helps show the mutual decision-making that must go into any pregnancy emergency.

The new rule isn’t going to change much about access to Plan B for men. Walgreens offers the drug to any customer of age, of both sexes, and distance from the drug store is not likely to be an issue when a pregnancy scare happens.

We also understand the reasons behind the previous policy, in which only female students could buy Plan B. The reasoning was that men would pressure their significant others into taking drugs with potentially harmful side effects in order to avert a pregnancy, or that, like a prescription drug, SHS only wanted the people who would be taking the drug to pick it up.

The rule change ultimately shows a much larger belief and faith that the male half of the student body will not pressure women into making decisions about their bodies, but rather will operate as a support structure for friends and significant others who are going through difficult times.

Accidents happen, and men are rarely villains in these circumstances. It is possible for the other person involved, or friends, to help someone who is embarrassed or counsel someone who is unsure. Men have these capabilities and can be part of the supportive network a woman relies on.

By changing this policy, Washington University has acknowledged that mutual deliberation should go into any decision like this. While we believe that it is ultimately up to the woman to make any choice about a potential pregnancy, it does not mean that discussions about the proper course of action shouldn’t include the other person who was involved.

The University demonstrated its belief that its students are adults who can actively take care of each other and make mature decisions. The policy shows a push for a more progressive acceptance of birth control. It is important that young, sexually active individuals have access to methods of ensuring their own safety and making sure that no undue accidents happen.

We appreciate that the University does what it can to give us access to drugs that promote sexual health and good, informed decisions. Even if allowing men to get Plan B at SHS doesn’t change much in terms of where students get the drugs, it is a symbolic gesture from the University that implies trust in the male student body.

We will make sure that we live up to this faith, and that we continue to act in a mature manner.