University Embroiled in Debate About Birth Control

It is always funny to me when I read about things that have ballooned into a major controversy.  Recently, I read that the University of South Carolina is embroiled in a controversy over its promotion of birth control in the form of….you guessed it – condoms!

It seems that the Office of Sexual Health and Violence Prevention at the university is pushing the university to install vending machines that will offer easy access birth control to its students.  As you might guess, however, someone isn’t happy with the idea.  In this case, it is the Residence Hall Association that is against installing these birth control vending machines at the universities.

The Residence Hall Association Senator, Jim Manning, is afraid that having these vending  machines in place will have a negative effect on the university.  Namely, he is concerned about the type of image it will project.

“I feel that the placement of condom vending machines in public restrooms presents a negative image of our university to families, friends, and prospective students,” says Manning.  The debate has become so strong that a new bill is being presented that will move to prevent the machines from being installed.

This whole debate just seems ludicrous to me.  In my opinion, installing these machines and promoting safe sex and proper use of birth control demonstrates the university’s concern for its students.  It also shows that the university is all about educating its students about safe sex practices and using methods of birth control.

Universities have always had a reputation for helping to open the minds of students and teaching them to be free-thinkers.  By putting these machines in place, the university will only be furthering this tradition. 

Apparently, I am not the only one that sees nothing wrong with putting these birth control vending machines in place. One student at the university, Devin Dickey, said “I don’t see the big deal.  Condoms would be more easily accessible.  People are going to do it anyway, you might as well promote safety”

Another student, Kathernine Anlicker said, “It’s a good idea because it’s like the school is trying to help people practice safe sex and prevent STIs…people are going to have sex either way, at least they’ll be safe.”

Those that are opposed to promotion safe sex and birth control practices would do well to listen to these students.  After all, these students are in the age group that is at the greatest risk for disease.  If these students are telling us that they will have sex either way and if they are saying they think it is a good idea to have condom vending machines at their university, doesn’t that tell you something?

These students are practically giving our society the answer to squelching the spread of disease and the number of unplanned pregnancies.  And, what makes the debate even more strange is the fact that condoms are already given out to students for free through the Thomson Student Health Center.  So, why should it suddenly be a controversy when the birth control items are made more public?  Is the university ashamed of its move to help students stay safe?  What does that say about our society’s view on sex and sexuality?  Just as with an alcoholic trying to kick the habit, the first step toward gaining control of pregnancies and disease is to simply accept that we are sexual beings and then take steps to keep us safe.