I would like to address the opinion column by Sara Biersteker (“UHS, Planned Parenthood should rethink access to pill,” Oct. 29) describing her frustration with access to emergency contraception (EC), also known as Plan B. As the co-chair of a student organization on campus called VOX (Voices for Planned Parenthood), I wanted to offer a few suggestions to students who may have similar concerns. As mentioned in the article, accidents happen, whether it is engaging in unprotected sex or other foreseen problems such as a condom breaking. One of the best ways we can take responsibility for our lives and health is by planning ahead. It is a very good idea for students to keep a dose of EC in their medicine chest. If students have EC prior to the emergency situation, they no longer have to race the clock in order to get an effective response from the medication.

Planned Parenthood has a commitment to serve the sexual and reproductive health care needs of the Madison community; last year alone Planned Parenthood provided emergency contraception to more than 35,000 people in Wisconsin. There are three clinics in Madison, all of which offer EC. The clinic near campus, which is located on Mifflin Street, is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month.

The author of this article mentions Plan B and Plan C, but what about Plan A? I also want to urge students to make responsible decisions about alcohol consumption as well as contraceptive use.

Katie Simons

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