Southeast Ohio offers various reproductive health resources, many of which are free, despite growing concerns about reproductive health access.
Reproductive health, specifically abortions and birth control, has become a controversial topic in recent years. Many are unsure of what the future holds with President Donald Trump in office.
However, Athens and surrounding areas offer care ranging from STD testing to birth control and pregnancy resources in addition to care for struggling mothers through diaper banks and clothing drives.
Since President Trump’s inauguration, several policies have been enacted which affect access to reproductive care. Trump reinstated the Mexico City Policy, prohibiting tax-payers from funding health organizations around the world that provide abortion care and information.
The State Department also announced a renewed membership in the Geneva Consensus Declaration, which aims to “protect life at all stages” by getting rid of worldwide abortions and putting a deeper focus on traditional family values.
The National Criminal Justice Association also reported the Department of Justice cut back on enforcement of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. Under this declaration, FACE can only be used to prosecute in “'extraordinary circumstances’ or in cases involving ‘significant aggravating factors’ such as ‘death, serious bodily harm or serious property damage.’”
Several cases involving FACE have already been dropped, including one in Ohio, according to the NCJA.
Many businesses and clinics in Athens have made a point to provide accessible reproductive care.
The Abortion Fund of Ohio works with local businesses including Little Fish Brewing Company, Athens Uncorked, Casa Nueva and Village Bakery to provide free emergency contraception to anyone who is in need.
The Heritage Health Center and Equitas Health have partnered to provide free STD and HIV testing as well as contraceptives and pregnancy tests.
The Ohio University Office of Health Promotion offers sexual health education and free contraceptives, including condoms and dental dams, while the Women’s Center provides Plan B.
Sean Slatzer, a junior studying political science and president of the OU College Democrats, emphasized how important the continuation of these programs is.
“For people our age, (getting affordable contraception) is a big deal,” Slatzer said. “People who find themselves under those circumstances need help with those things, so I think it’s really important that we actually do have places around campus that offer that stuff for free.”
Slatzer also highlighted what OUCD is doing to keep students educated on reproductive rights.
“Our half of stuff like (working with the women’s center) would be keeping people aware and educated on their own rights and what is actively going on in politics that is limiting women and specifically reproductive rights today,” Slatzer said.
Planned Parenthood - Athens Health Center, located at 416 W. Union St., offers many services surrounding contraception and pregnancy, as well as STD testing and checkups for reproductive and sexual health concerns. Many of these services come at a low cost, especially with health insurance.
The Pregnancy Resource Center, located at 77 E. State St., also offers free ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, a diaper bank and free maternity and infant supplies. The center does not offer abortions, birth control or contraceptives.
There is currently no clinic in Athens that can provide an abortion procedure.
Marisa Vihtelic, a freshman studying biology, said although there are several reproductive health resources in the region, she thinks there could always be more with a wider range of services.
Vihtelic also said she recommends getting an intrauterine device, or IUD, as a form of long-lasting contraception to women who are concerned about how their reproductive rights might change.
Slatzer reminded people there are still ways to fight for reproductive rights.
“It’s not a done deal,” Slatzer said. “I know that it’s difficult, but we just have to keep focused on what’s going to happen and also staying aware of what’s going on.”
