More on the ECP at JMU
Today's edition of The Breeze is in an uproar over the decision by the Board of Visitors to stop distributing Emergency Contraception Pills on campus.
Apparently, the pills on campus cost $15 a pop (that is, until Tuesday). Now, to fill one's prescription, you've gotta get off campus (a problem for some) to a CVS or Rite Aid, where they charge up to $30 or more (and as a college student, every penny counts).
A petition was passed around campus to fight the decision on Tuesday and 2,714 signatures were collected, enough to put it in front of the SGA as a Bill of Opinion. It passed the Senate overwhelmingly and is now destined for the Executive Committee. There are some really horribly misinformed quotes by board members and others calling the pill an "abortion pill."
The girl who was in charge of the petition was called a murderer and a whore by several of her fellow students.
An excellent editorial looks at the confused priorities of Board member Mark Obenshain, who is meant to be speaking for the students as a Visitor but is simultaneously running for the Virginia State Senate. He figured supporting an action like this would boost his stature in the minds of conservative voters.
What bothers me most about the whole situation (indeed, many of the situations of this sort that come up on campus more and more often) is the sort of misinformed fundamentalism that pervades the actions and thoughts of people around here. The letters to the editor are perfect examples, as one is written by a "Christian" who rages against even the ability of the Health Center to prescribe the ECP, while another is written by a "Christian" who is "adamantly opposed" to the creation of a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center on campus. "As a Christian, I consider it unacceptable to have my tuition money support a lifestyle of which I disapprove," he writes. Perhaps he should consider a more close-minded school, such as Jerry Falwell's Cathedral of Knowledge. He talks of views of others being forced upon him, but is unwilling to look in the mirror.
I can't believe I made it through this whole thing without an ad hominem attack. Maybe I am learning.
April 24, 2003 - 10:20 AM
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These people consider ALL forms of contraception to be abortion. Just ask Mother Angelica. A condom is a murder weapon. It’s pretty sick.
On a lighter note, one more day. You should send me your number so I can call and say happy birthday. I know I just ruined the surprise, but … uh … hey, look, a squirrel!