Summary
At DePaul University, a private Catholic college in Chicago, a student-run group known as "the womb service" secretly delivers contraceptives, such as condoms and Plan B, to students because the university bans their distribution on campus. This group, previously a chapter of Planned Parenthood until its status was revoked, aims to address the lack of sexual health resources on campus. The situation reflects wider debates across the U.S. over access to contraception, especially at religious institutions.
Key Facts
- DePaul University does not allow contraceptives to be distributed on campus.
- A student group operates secretly to provide contraceptives to students at DePaul.
- The group was previously affiliated with Planned Parenthood but lost university recognition in June.
- Catholic universities often restrict access to contraceptives in line with religious teachings.
- There are broader efforts across the U.S. to limit contraceptive access, with some states considering laws to restrict availability.
- Illinois has passed a law requiring public colleges to offer contraception, but it does not affect private institutions like DePaul.
- The student group at DePaul handles about 15 to 25 orders for contraception weekly and conducts sexual health education sessions.
