Peer-to-peer distribution of emergency contraception
On some campuses, students face extra barriers to accessing EC. These can include colleges and universities that are:
- Religiously-affiliated or generally more conservative, with little or no contraceptive access on campus
- Unable or unwilling to provide EC through student health services
- Rural or geographically isolated from community sources of EC, such as pharmacies or clinics
Students can help meet this need by confidentially providing free (or low-cost) EC to other students, communicating through hotlines and online forms. EC4EC has several students working on these programs across the country and they would love to share their insights with new campus groups.
where do peer-to-peer distribution networks exist?
Student activists on campuses such as Georgetown University, Hampton University, and Tulane University have developed peer-to-peer EC distribution programs so that they can provide EC directly to fellow students in a discreet and confidential way. Community groups across the country, including abortion funds and domestic violence shelters, participate in direct distribution.
How does it work?
- Identify if there is a need on campus for improved access to emergency contraception. This might be because the student health service on campus does not offer EC, the hours are restricted, location is difficult to get to, or the cost is too high. EC costs about $35-50 at pharmacies, so cost is a frequent barrier for students.
- Figure out what should be included in EC kits - often condoms, pregnancy tests, lube, and information about sexual health resources - and identify sources for these products
- Pull together a team of volunteers and set up a system, often through an online form or anonymous text line.
- Get the word out through the campus newspaper, stickers, and social media!
HOW CAN MY CAMPUS GROUP GET INVOLVED?
If you think this model might be a good fit for your campus, here are some ways to get involved:
- Join our #EC4EC discussion group on Slack! Our group includes student activists and leaders from different types of campuses all over the country who share an interest in improving access to EC on campus. Contact us for more information!
- Share our donation page with your networks to spread the word and help build resources for campus groups!
- Download our comprehensive toolkit for campus groups interested in starting peer-to-peer EC distribution toolkit materials.
Peer-to-peer ec distribution RESOURCES
