Students organized the off campus clinic because students said there was confusion regarding the university's position about student insurance coverage of contraception.
Per the article, information at the university's website states: “The Insurer is required by law to offer this coverage and pay the Covered Percentage of the Covered Charges for Contraceptive Drugs and Devices.”
However, many students were denied both contraception, as well as prescriptions for contraception at campus health centers.
Law student Bridgette Dunlap, a member of Fordham Law Students for Reproductive Justice, was quoted as saying: “At this point, all we want is notice. We really want clear documentation on the website before you buy insurance, before you show up at a health center expecting to have regular medical care.”
Fordham University director of communications Bob Howe was quoted as having said in a statement: “Fordham is a Catholic university and follows church teachings on reproductive issues. We're sure that our students are well aware of Fordham's Jesuit, Catholic identity: it is central to our mission, and is featured prominently on our website and in our publications.”
Howe was quoted as saying: “We do not offer reproductive health services through the Student Health Center (though birth control is covered under the students' insurance plan). The actual student health insurance policy is very explicit about what is and isn't covered, including coverage of birth control.”
Howe also explained that the website may in fact be edited to make the services available clearer.
Fordham University is a private, nonprofit, coeducational research university, with three campuses in and around New York City. Founded in 1841 by the Roman Catholic Diocese of New York, the school is ranked among the top 60 national universities by US News & World Report.
According to information at Fordham's website, Law Students for Reproductive Justice (LSRJ) was launched by students who “believe that individuals, not governments, have the right to make decisions about their reproductive health. Every person, regardless of gender, race, class, or ethnicity, has the right to choose whether or not to have sex, use contraception, or have a child.” The group's projects include an ongoing escort program in partnership with Planned Parenthood of New York City, and a research partnership with local pro-choice legal organizations.
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