Panel debates ECP

Students voice opinions on distribution

Amy Paterson / senior photographer Senior Lenny Tengco opposed the ban of the emergency contraceptive pill from the University Health Center during a debate Oct. 15. Tengco called the ban a "symbolic slap across the face for the female population of JMU."

Voicing opinions for and against the distribution of emergency contraceptive pills, about 110 students participated in an open forum Oct. 15.

The debate and discussion was sponsored by the University Health Center, debate team and Student Government Association.

An entrance poll of 76 students found that 49 students supported having ECPs distributed on campus, seven were against distribution and 20 were undecided, according to Public Debate Coordinator Lisa Tawil. An exit poll found that out of 71 students, 48 supported having ECPs on campus, 17 were against distribution and six were undecided.

The debate, moderated by John Stone, an associate professor of communication studies, was between two groups, consisting of two students each. Seniors Elizabeth McCeney and Spencer Daniel defended the Board of Visitor's decision. Seniors Lenny Tengco and junior Amylee Ray were against the decision.

Pete Bsumek, an instructor of communication studies, introduced the debate, and said it was important because it provided "a space for [the] issues to be expressed in the right environment." Bsumek also said that the debate hopefully would educate JMU students on the "truly important" issue of the ECP and show some of the "effects it has on campus life." 

McCeney, who spoke first for the opposing side, said the distribution of ECPs was "inappropriate and unacceptable" for taxpayers to provide the funds to stock the Health Center and, therefore, should have a voice in what medications are shelved. McCeney also said that since Virginia is a conservative state with a conservative governor, the ECPs go against conservative ideals, which frown upon premartial sexual relations.

"It is irresponsible in the current economy to provide this pill when whoever needs it can simply go to a pharmacy," McCeney said. After she said faculty and enrollment cutbacks were evidence of the economy struggle that Virginia schools are facing, McCeney said that a large part of ECP distribution is a matter of what it costs the taxpayers as well as JMU.

Tengco then spoke for the opposing team, and said the ban was "a symbolic slap across the face for the female population of JMU."

Tengco also refuted the economic reasoning McCeney presented. He said that the public does not pay for the drug — the student needing ECPs does. JMU pays $15 for a pill, and any student receiving the drug pays $15 as well, according to Tengco.

Tengco went on to say that women at JMU are more important than the budget, and it is "crucial" to provide services, such as the distribution of ECPs, in case of a possible pregnancy emergency.

Daniel refuted statements made by Tengco. He called the decision to ban the pill "symbolic, for it represents the ideals and values of the state." Daniel said that abortion merely was "a matter of semantics," based upon differing beliefs of when a fetus is a human being.

Daniel also said that, in cases of sexual assault, a female still can get the ECP at CVS and, therefore, "no one's rights are being infringed upon." He added that no student is being denied the pill because there are many places to pick up ECPs, and it is not JMU's place to provide them when "taxpayers and Virginia society as a whole disagree."

Ray began her statements for the opposing team and said the "ECP does not hinder morality, but not allowing it to be distributed is a direct hindrance [of morality]."

Ray said making women go out into a community "which is already hostile to JMU students" deprives them of privacy in cases of sexual assault. She said a trip to a local pharmacy "creates an intimidating environment, which the Health Center does not."

Ray also said the pill is much more expensive at local pharmacies than the price it was offered at the Health Center. ECPs range in price from $25.95 to $30.99, according to the Health Center's Web site, www.jmu.edu/healthctr/new/services/ecp.html.

To end the debate, Stone offered the microphone to any student wishing to comment on the ECP debate, or ask questions to those who were involved in the debate. About 25 or 30 students spoke after the debate, according to Tawil, who said the discussion continued for over 30 minutes.