Department of Education creates new reproductive health resource
In the second meeting of the Reproductive Rights Task Force, the Biden administration announced the creation of a new reproductive health care resource for college students and employees.
According to Secretary of Education Miguel A. Cardona, PhD, the Dobbs abortion decision has created “fear and confusion on our college campuses.” For example, universities in Idaho warned school employees against discussing contraception with students, according to the Associated Press.
“My message to any other colleges considering enacting policies like this: Don’t. Please don’t,” President Joe Biden said during the meeting.
The resource will “remind schools of their obligation” to nondiscrimination on the basis of pregnancy status as described under Title IX, Cardona said, as well as provide information to students on how to file a discrimination complaint to their school or to the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
“Today, I want to be clear with the college leaders in America: Access to contraception should not be in question and access to health care, including reproductive health care, is critical to the well-being and success of our nation’s students,” Cardona said. “If you are committed to student success, you must be committed to student health.”
References:
- Boone R. Idaho universities disallow abortion, contraception referral. apnews.com/article/abortion-health-legislature-idaho-birth-control-bd238c572da10d812ef5ba93f1860fc5. Published Sept. 27, 2022. Accessed Oct. 4, 2022.
- President Biden and Vice President Harris attend the second Reproductive Rights Taskforce Meeting. www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnG4FAi65vQ. Published Oct. 4, 2022. Accessed Oct. 4, 2022.