Plan B, the morning after pill, is an emergency contraceptive that can be used as a backup method to birth control.
When taken as directed, Plan B can reduce a woman’s risk of pregnancy if she has any type of unprotected sex, including the sex with a broken condom, when birth control has been skipped or after a rape.
Plan B was developed to prevent the union of sperm and egg and to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the womb. If a fertilized egg is implanted prior to taking the morning after pill, Plan B will not work.
In other words, Plan B will not terminate the pregnancy.
Diane Palm, Director of Winona State University’s Health Services, spoke on the university’s stance how to address a pregnancy.
“We give her all the options; we encourage counseling; we can help her get in contact with Birthright, adoption agencies, or an abortion clinic,” Palm said.
Winona State does not force decisions upon clients. They aim to guide students to the right decision for themselves.
In 2007, 79 females went to Health Services for a pregnancy test.
“The over the counter [pregnancy] tests these days are so good, most girls take those first and come in to be 100 percent sure,” Palm said. “Most decide to continue on with the pregnancy. I would say about 75 percent continue.”
Health Services carries Plan B for $15 compared to $40-$50 at other pharmacies in Winona.
In 2007, 176 clients went to Health Services to get Plan B.
“If someone comes in for Plan B, we explain side effects, ask when their last period was, and explain that Plan B will not hurt an established pregnancy,” Palm said. “We also make sure she wasn’t assaulted.”
Health Services offers all types of birth control such as the pill, the shot, condoms and the ring. Because there is a low demand for the patch, Health Services does not carry it. If someone is interested in the patch, they will get it for a student.
About 10-15 students a week start birth control.
Health Service asks that students who are new to birth control take an online quiz to raise awareness.
The actual appointment takes about 30 minutes with a nurse to go over information and to find out which type of birth control is right for each client.
Health Services works with each individual student to make birth control financially available to everyone interested.
Like all types of birth control, Plan B is not 100 percent effective. It is now available over the counter. Plan B does not affect future fertility and can be purchased ahead of time.

Questions or comments?
Contact Jessica at
JLLarse0487@winona.edu