OPINION
April 19, 2013
Morning after pill’ rnling is a
step forward for all women
BY CHLOE
LINDEMAN
Staff Writer
From the soft green swirls
and light purple accents on the
package, you would never know
the controversy surrounding Plan
B One-Step,
an emergency
contraceptive.
Plan B, Next
Choice One
Dose, and
other similar
contraceptives
are also known
as morning-
after pills, and
girls under the
age of 17 who
want these
drugs have always required a
prescription.
This has meant that, in the past,
girls under 17 having unprotected
sex could not get emergency
contraceptives without telling
parents or a doctor.
Backed by President Barack
Obama, the U.S. Department of
Health obstructed attempts to
change these regulations, but U.S.
District Judge Edward Korman
helped women's reproductive
rights take a step forward when he
ruled to make such contraceptives
such as Plan B and Next Choice
available without prescription to
both girls and boys of any age by
early May.
The drugs keep women
from becoming pregnant by
temporarily stopping ovulation
and limiting the movement of
sperm. The pills do not abort a
pregnancy or hurt a fetus because
no fetus has yet formed.
"There is no serious health
risk associated with use of Plan
B as prescribed and intended,"
wrote Korman according to
the Los Angeles Times. "These
emergency contraceptives would
be among the safest drugs sold
over the counter."
In other words, the girls taking
the drug are not at risk, and the
fetus is not at risk because there
is no fetus.
Could someone please explain
to me why it has taken 14 years —
since the drug came out in 1999 —
for people aged 16 and under to
get over the counter access?
The drug should be easier for
people of all ages to get because
it could help avoid accidental
pregnancies.
I would imagine there are few
situations as difficult as having
to explain to parents that you
need an emergency contraceptive
because you had unprotected sex,
and no doubt some girls risked
pregnancy to remain silent.
Don't get me wrong — I
am not defending having
unprotected sex. But, given an
already complicated situation, it
seems like the obvious solution
is to allow all women to choose
whether or not to take a morning-
after pill, especially given the
minimal risk involved.
"Women all over the country
will no longer face arbitrary
delays and barriers just to get
emergency contraception," said
Nancy Northup, president of the
Center for Reproductive Rights.
Unfortunately, the fight may
not be over yet.
If the U.S. Department of Justice
overturns Korman's ruling, the
prescription requirement for
those under 17 will remain in
effect. A spokeswoman for this
department told the Los Angeles
Times that the government is
"reviewing the appellate options
and expects to act promptly."
Associate Professor of Political
Science Maria Rosales agreed
that many are unhappy with
Korman's ruling.
"Protests against the change
seem likely," wrote Rosales in
an email. "Some pharmacists
have already been refusing to
give emergency contraception to
people who were of age under the
previous ruling.
"(However,) allowing people
who might get pregnant against
their will a greater chance to
avoid that pregnancy is a good
outcome, in my opinion."
Keeping emergency
contraceptives legal for people of
any age is safe and smart. If the
government repeals Korman's
decision, stand up and make your
voice heard.
CCE Serendipity needs you
Sometimes it takes just a little food and laughter
to bridge the gap between traditional and CCE
students.
Now is the chance. Our Spring Awards Carnival,
which takes place next to New
Garden Hall in the front lawn, is
on April 27 and starts at 12 p.m..
CCE students are a little
older than the rest of the pack
at the College, but now we
recognize another age related
issue: commemorating the 60th
anniversary of the Center for
Continuing Education.
Much like the Community
Senate, we too have a student
government association that hopes
to aid those CCE students who
need a liaison to the administration or the greater
community as a whole.
Whether you are a CCE student, know a CCE
student or would like to support your Guilford
peers, we look forward to seeing new faces in the
crowd.
The event features a mechanical bull, a rock-
climbing wall, cotton candy and popcorn. We will
recognize outstanding students, professors and staff
who have worked hard this year.
BY VICTOR
LOPEZ
Senior Writer
There will be tasty food too, and if the bull isn't
fun enough, you can dunk me in a tank.
That's right, I said it, a tank.
If I have ever offended you in any way in my years
of writing, feel free to take your aggression out by
dunking me in the dunk tank, which I will man.
Our event is like a CCE Serendipity on a diet. So,
expect some relaxation and friendly folks around
who are enjoying what we hope will be a sunny day.
After all, we have a lot to celebrate.
Over the past year, we have made access grants
available to the entire college, helping students who
could not afford tuition during tight times. We are
extending another $20,000 to go into the coming year.
Our fellow students have issues ranging from
stress to addictions, like any other students.
In response to the need, we brought someone in
with impeccable credentials and experience.
The CCE SGA sponsored the new addition of
a counselor who helps CCE students through
whatever their needs might be.
We realize that above all, it is stressful to wake up
in the morning, let alone complete classes.
At the end of the day, we all at the CCE SGA hope
to see you in front of New Garden Hall, on April 27
at 12 p.m.
I'll be in the tank. I hope you'll be there and that
you're not a good shot.
sfc
11
Taking a stand i^st the
Hodgins Retreat expansions
On any given spring day at Guilford, students can take a walk in
the wooded area, from all the way behind the lake up to Hodgins
Retreat Apartments. This peaceful, picturesque atmosphere that
distinguishes Guilford from other local campuses may soon be
corrupted by a recently proposed expansion of the Hodgins Retreat
Apartments. Thanks to a recent email from David Feagins '70, The
Guilfordian has concerns about the expansion.
A rezoning battle is heating up in our local neighborhood. Recent
rumors about the expansion of the apartment complex has stirred
up talk among community members. The controversy dealing with
border control in the woods is a long-standing issue among some
faculty, students and staff who wonder what is being done to protect
this historical land — the woods in question include a part of the
Underground Railroad. This 90-acre parcel of land also represents a
rare resource of undeveloped wilderness amidst the concrete sprawl
of greater Greensboro.
Hodgins Retreat developer Randall Dixon currently owns 2.89
additional acres adjacent to the existing apartments. Some of
you might know it as the old "Keiser Property." Recently, Dixon
submitted a rezoning application seeking to consolidate the Hodgins
property and Keiser property into a single tract. This contract will
enable him to construct up to 64 new apartment units in addition to
those already existing as Hodgins Retreat.
According to Feagins, the construction of these new buildings
and parking lots will necessitate the destruction of woods and create
runoff. These buildings and parking areas will be visible to those
watching athletic events at the stadium and baseball field, as well as
from other campus space.
Some other concerns expressed by community members have
delayed the proposed expansion. The development will dramafically
increase traffic on Foxwood, Dolly Madison and George White.
Feagins mentioned the worsening of traffic flow through campus
and along the intersections of Friendly Avenue, and since there are
already two city bus stops, increased traffic may create a dangerous
situation.
As we have seen from Hodgins Retreat police incidents reports,
we are destined to lose the safe, walkable neighborhood streets and
woods that surround us if this rezoning is approved by the City
Council. More people, including students, would be moving into the
new apartments, which means public safety may have additional
stress maintaining safety protocols. Feagins mentioned that liability
may become a larger issue.
The Guilfordian also agrees with Feagins' point about how
proposed construction will Aallenge Guilford College as it continues
to promote a "green" campus. These expansions will create more
noise and light pollution on campus, and we will not be able to
control any litter or trash the residents may leave on or near campus.
Plus, there will be more cars, which could create vehicle pollution.
Community members, such as the Editorial Board, have high
hopes that the college will join in opposition to this proposed
expansion. Based on facts in our news article (see pages 1 and 2) and
information from Feagins, we believe that the expansion will hurt
the Guilford community by creating more pollution and waste, a
less-safe environment and an ugly setting. We agree with Feagins
that our area does not need any more apartment space, especially
when there are so many apartment options nearby.
We request that the college speak with the Hodgins administration
to try and figure out a way to keep our college atmosphere and
environment safe and beautiful.
Refleqing Guilford College's core Quaker values, the topics and content
OF Staff Editorials are chosen through consensus of all 14 editors and one
FV^ULTY ADVISER OF ThE GuILFORDIAN’s EDITORIAL BoARD.