University of Missouri student government supports emergency contraception resolution
The Missouri Students Association on Tuesday approved a resolution asking University of Missouri officials to look into free emergency contraception for students.
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Mizzou started the initiative in hopes of getting students free access to emergency contraception. Other organizations, such as Stronger Together Against Relationship and Sexual Violence (S.T.A.R.S), Feminist Student Union, MU Socialists, Mizzou College Democrats and the Mizzou Energy Action Coalition (MEC) are also supporting the initiative.
According to the resolution, bringing students access to emergency contraception “will reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies and abortions.” It also referenced the fact that there is no abortion access in Columbia, and the University of Missouri recently raised prices of emergency contraception from $15 to $35.
University of Missouri spokesman Christian Basi said once MSA sends the resolution to the MU administration, they will review it to determine what offices at MU will need to be part of the discussion.
In an MSA statement, the group said “just as we followed our procedure in hearing this resolution, the University will follow their procedure in exploring any recommendations made by MSA.”
Wording of the resolution specifically states the purpose of encouraging “the University of Missouri investigate the financials and logistics of adding free emergency contraception to its health services.”
A member of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Mizzou said the group will meet with the provost May 2 to further discuss the initiative.
