A recent shift in U.S. law has sparked action among students. The overturning of Roe v. Wade, the historic decision that upheld women's right to access abortion and contraceptives, has ignited new initiatives at Johns Hopkins University and Morgan State University. These initiatives aim to ensure students can still obtain birth control and related information, even as it becomes more difficult to access abortions in some states.
At Johns Hopkins University, significant changes are underway, largely due to the efforts of Julianna Smith, a senior and co-president of a group named Advocates for Reproductive and Sexual Health, or ARSH. Smith has been a driving force in providing students with ample support and resources. She's been pivotal in offering accessible services, education, and advocacy on reproductive and sexual health, working closely with Planned Parenthood.
Novie Truitt of Johns Hopkins University discussed how this significant legal change propelled them to action. "We wanted to empower our peers and support them during this uncertain time," Truitt said. "It was about ensuring they had the resources to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health."
Smith's advocacy extends further. She collaborated with Johns Hopkins Student Affairs to secure resources for birth control and education on reproductive and sexual health. One of her significant accomplishments is the installation of Wellness-to-Go vending machines on campus, providing students with convenient and private access to contraceptives.
Smith's leadership and innovative approach have transformed reproductive and sexual health on campus. Her work serves as a benchmark for other schools aiming to enhance their support in this area.
At Morgan State University, Monefa Pratt, another student leader, has been inspired by Smith's efforts and is ready to make a similar impact. The newly formed Planned Parenthood Generation Action group at Morgan State, led by Pratt, plans to collaborate with other campus groups like Students Open to Unique Love (SOUL), the LGBTQIA+ alliance, and Students Against Sexual Harassment and Assault. Their joint efforts aim to ensure comprehensive access to contraceptives, abortions, and education on reproductive and sexual health.
Pratt is committed to creating an environment where students feel at ease accessing these resources. To achieve this, the initiatives have prioritized privacy and established a system for peer-to-peer communication.
Since the inception of these projects, there has been a substantial increase in students using birth control methods and attending sexual health education sessions. "Seeing our peers taking control of their health and well-being has been incredibly rewarding. The positive response on campus encourages us to keep going," Smith said.
As we discuss these changes, it's crucial to consider diverse viewpoints. Joe Brenan from Johns Hopkins, who is pro-life, said, "We support life at all stages. This includes supporting alternatives to abortion, like adoption, and providing ample support for students who choose to become parents. We believe in creating an environment where all students, no matter what they believe, can feel heard and supported."
Looking ahead, both Smith and Pratt are optimistic. Sierra Smith from Morgan State expressed hope. "We aim to expand our partnerships to provide more resources and reach more students. We hope that our initiative can serve as a blueprint for similar programs elsewhere," she said.
In response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, student leaders like Julianna Smith and Monefa Pratt at Johns Hopkins and Morgan State universities, respectively, are reshaping sexual health education and access on their campuses. Amid policy changes, these students are advocating for equal healthcare and access, demonstrating the significant influence student-led initiatives can have on health and wellness across college campuses.