There’s no question about it; birth control is awesome. It’s a lifesaver, literally. Birth control and reproductive health education has had an undeniably positive impact on the lives of women. In fact, thanks to birth control and sex education, teen pregnancy rates have dropped by more than half between 1990 and 2010, and the trend is continuing.
It does more than just prevent pregnancy, too. It can help regulate periods, clear up acne, decrease the risk of ovarian cancer and help partners feel protected which in turn can lead to better, worry-free sex.
While the Affordable Care Act has made access to birth control much easier for people of all backgrounds and incomes, figuring out health options can be tricky for college students who are living away from home for the first time. Fortunately, Options Clinic, a non-profit reproductive health organization, is dedicated to serving the needs of the La Crosse area.
To learn more about the how Options can benefit college students, I spoke to junior Morgan Kolinski, the Student Ambassador for UW-L at Options Clinic. Kolinski is an advocate for comprehensive sex education and took the position as Student Ambassador to help spread awareness throughout campus about reproductive health.
When it comes to the benefits of reproductive health education, Kolinski had a lot to say. “I think that everyone should learn about birth control, regardless of their ability, need or desire to use it. Whether or not you are sexually active, talking about birth control and how to make healthy sexual decisions can positively impact your health, but it can also empower women to take charge of their own bodies in whatever way they choose, encourage men to more intentionally support women’s rights and also bring awareness to the health needs and rights of trans* individuals.”
Not only is Options an inclusive, friendly environment, they also provide affordable (and by affordable I mean generally free) birth control and information.
“Options Clinic operates under a sliding pay scale; 80 percent of clients do not pay for their services, and most students are eligible to receive full coverage under the Family Planning Program waiver,” said Kolinski.
Kolinski spends a lot of her time as the Student Ambassador on campus interacting with students and handing out condoms and other fun giveaways.
“Most students I have interacted with have been shocked by how much they didn’t know about birth control and tend to be interested in learning more,” said Kolinski of her on-campus duties, involving tabling with Options volunteers. “When we hand out condoms at our tables, some people are excited and others feel a little awkward, but the reactions are almost always positive.”
“We’ve found that it’s an easy way to let people passing by our table know what the general theme of our organization is and it’s also a passive way to normalize seeing and talking about protection for STIs and pregnancy,” Kolinski added.
For more information about Options Clinic, to schedule an appointment for STD testing or to get set up with the birth control that is right for you, call 608-775-8390. Those interested in getting involved or speaking with a student can email [email protected].