As young women reach maturity, they also face very serious personal decisions about whether to engage in or abstain from sexual relations. There are conflicting opinions as to the correct decision influenced by religion, personal values and societal views. Women may neglect to realize their sexual health is crucial in ensuring the safety of their spouses and children, as well as for their own general well being. If a student chooses to become sexually active, there are many options for women to explore. By protecting yourself, you are also protecting your future.

In recent news, the Obama administration has been making great strides to lower the age for women to receive contraception, including women’s health needs in insurance plans and ultimately setting the price lower for these items. Health insurance plans must now make more preventive care accessible. There are new laws mandating more coverage that will come into effect Jan. 1, 2013. Advocates believe that women’s health and sexual health are equally important.

Yet, many have disagreed with our president on allowing these terms to be met. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops shared their disagreement with the proposition to allow younger women to purchase emergency contraceptives. This organization also does not approve of requiring religious establishments to provide birth control help. The debate over sexuality and who controls the power of choice will be a subject that will not be solved in the near future amicably.

As young women, we must demand that our sexual health and sexual decisions be represented. Each new generation makes more progressive ideas mainstream. As recently as 1965, the Griswold v Connecticut case prohibited the use of contraceptives. The Supreme Court later decided by a vote of 7-2 that this invalidated the law of marital privacy.

Recently, the safety of regularly using the emergency contraception Plan B has been questioned. Plan B should be taken rarely and only in emergency situations. This pill is designed to have a higher hormone dosage than regular birth control. The only difference between the two is the strength of Plan B. Emergency contraception should not be used regularly because it will confuse the body’s natural menstrual cycle. Also, Plan B does not protect women from STDs.

In order for young women to protect themselves from unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, women should use safer options, such as condoms or the various forms of birth control available that can be prescribed by a physician. It is imperative to educate women about their sexual health, such as using a condom with their partner.

UT’s health clinic offers many tests and check-ups for women. At the clinic, one can receive pap smears, screening and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, birth control prescriptions, pregnancy testing, and diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections. These gynecological exams do cost money, but are moderately priced.

If money is an issue, one can make an appointment with Planned Parenthood in Knoxville. Located on North Cherry Street, Planned Parenthood states: “You will not be turned away because of your inability to pay.” There is usually a sliding scale based on the ability to pay. Planned Parenthood offers a wide variety of medical attention related to women’s health.

Women are more vulnerable than men since they are the ones who will be left with the burden of an unwanted pregnancy. The power lies within the woman’s ability to choose from a healthy perspective of becoming educated as to how to make the most informed decision. The safest decision is always abstinence, yet if a woman does decide to engage, she should choose wisely and carefully.

— Samantha Trueheart is a sophomore in communications. She can be reached at [email protected].