NEW YORK, NEW YORK—AUGUST 15: Gates are locked as students, faculty, and others wait to enter Columbia University's campus on August 15, 2024, in New York City, after the school instituted new security laws before the start of the academic year. Columbia's President Minouche Shafik announced yesterday that she will resign from the university effective immediately. Shafik, while not forced out, had come under criticism from both pro-Palestinian groups and pro-Israeli organizations for her handling of the campus protests earlier in the year. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Obtaining contraceptive services faces many challenges for women across the United States in colleges. This is mainly rampant in contraceptive deserts due to limited reproductive health. According to Dr. Jason Bell, an obstetrician, and gynecologist, over 19 million women of reproductive age experience a lack of health centers that provide contraception.

This can prove very alarming, especially for the college-going generation who frequently shift colleges located in various states, often having highly restrictive reproductive health policies.

According to Contemporary OBGYN, women at Southern colleges, both at the traditional White colleges and at the historically Black institutions, have also become vulnerable in this matter. The impact of not gaining access to sufficient quantities of contraceptives includes unwanted pregnancies and all other possible consequences of this act.

Impact of Unplanned Pregnancies on College Dropout Rate

Dr. Bell stated that an unplanned pregnancy would be a disruption for the education of a female individual, and it leads to emotional and financial dilemmas, per Brookings. In fact, unplanned pregnancies are one of the top reasons for college students leaving their institutions, most particularly those aged 20 to 24.

The obstetrician and gynecologist expert emphasized that before students leave for college, they should be provided with correct, science-based information regarding contraception. Every student should be well aware of their choices, either in the form of short-acting methods such as birth control pills or long-acting methods such as intrauterine devices.

For Dr. Bell, reproductive health education is urgently needed in schools to help prevent unwanted pregnancies and assist students in school and private lives. It's possible to address access to contraceptives in Congress, especially if it will empower students to make informed decisions about their health and future.