Expansion of STI Clinic and Broader Consequences
In a significant step towards promoting reproductive healthcare, Holy Cross University has launched an 'Express STI Clinic' for students. This initiative, as a Jesuit institution, signifies a positive development for reproductive justice, particularly for identity groups previously excluded from privileged access.
The clinic provides access to sexual health services for underserved racial/ethnic minority adolescents and young adults (UREM AYAs) and people living with HIV, who historically faced barriers to comprehensive STI and sexual health care. The college's offering of this testing is noteworthy, as it aims to expand equitable access to testing, treatment, and prevention services for these marginalized populations.
Young adults are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and this clinic aims to address this issue head-on. The college can bill for the tests confidentially through one's insurance or allow payment upfront, ensuring privacy and accessibility for all students.
The college's commitment to reproductive healthcare is rooted in its Jesuit mission, with the Jesuit mission of Holy Cross supporting the provision of condoms. This stance is a small step towards addressing historical exclusion of certain groups from a basic human right—access to proper sexual healthcare, including condoms.
It's important to note that historically, the LGBTQ+ community, undocumented immigrants, people of color, and those who hold multiple identities are excluded from basic reproductive healthcare. Providing equitable access to reproductive healthcare, including condoms, is a step towards rectifying this historical exclusion.
However, the college does not currently provide condoms to students. It is suggested that Holy Cross should offer condoms and oral dams to students, further strengthening its commitment to reproductive justice.
Appointments at the clinic are confidential and do not disclose the reason for one's visit. If someone tests positive for an STI, they will be prescribed antibiotics and given a prescription for their partner.
This step towards reproductive healthcare is not just for students but also has implications for various communities and the country as a whole. For instance, Black women have higher rates of HIV/STDs, accidental pregnancy, and maternal and infant mortality compared to white women. Addressing these disparities requires comprehensive and equitable access to sexual healthcare services.
In the context of this development, Proposition 60, a California ballot initiative, requires adult film stars to wear condoms while filming. This proposition underscores the importance of condom use in preventing STIs, particularly in industries where such precautions may not be readily available.
While the Clearway Clinic is available on the College of the Holy Cross campus, it is not mentioned in the context of providing condoms. It is hoped that the university will expand its services to include this essential aspect of sexual healthcare.
In conclusion, Holy Cross University's launch of the Express STI Clinic is a significant step towards addressing the historical exclusion of certain groups from a basic human right—access to proper sexual healthcare. The university's commitment to reproductive justice is commendable and serves as a model for other institutions to follow.
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