THE CADRE JANUARY 19, 1973‘ ' PAéE‘e' "

This will attempt to discuss just a few of the many things which you'learn in life, which are not included in the university curriculum. Sorry, it will not include how to spend money, stay happy, keep your room- mate from destroying you, or anything as relevant as that. Topics which are cover— ed try to show the initial dangers and pr— oblems of sex and how, once eliminated, you have a thousand other problems. Extracts from recent interviews with Dr. Meyers, the director of Student Health at UNB and with Joyce Gallant RN, nurse at the UPEI Health Centre, are included to insure that infor- mation included in this article is up-to— date. It is not intended to be written. only for the young females on campus. It is, however, written to them.' I hope they read it, agree or disagree, and express their thoughts.

By JUDY sraavas

All females in the province of Prince Edward Island can get the Birth Control Pill provided they pass the initial physical examination and have $1.98 to pay for it. No parental permission is required and any doctor at the University Health Centre can pre— scribe the Pill. They will not ask you a series of heavy ques- tions ,either. Many of the doc- tors working at universities str- ongly reccommmend that females take it. The possibility of'pre- gnancy is too great and too sho- cking to allow it to upset your school year. Most young girls cannot envision themselves in the state of pregnancy at the time of sexual intercourse. The fear of becoming pregnant can slowly fade out of mind if you are passionatly involved with a new friend, an old friend, or just anybody-

Nevertheless, nature paces us on a 28-day menstrual cycle. if you have not already upset it. and allows approxim— ately 24 to 48 hours for conception during that time. This might sound like " a “helluva long time to play around" each month, but it isn‘t. Furthermore the consequences are too real. too earth- shattering to put yourself through. Why bother? You will have nothing to gain by an unwanted pregnancy except a de- 7

. pression, multitudes of philosophical questions which you are not prepared to answer at this stage in your life. and a strained relationship with some male who will try to be the man he supposes he now is.

Let us assume you decide not to take the pill, for some reason which may be discussed later in the article. Then, it happens, just like that with a “it was our first time, goddamit” or “we were always so careful”. You are pregnant, not him (blaming him is a stage you may go through).

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You can have the baby, on principle, even if you would rather not. That is just the beginning of one solution. After- wards, leaving school, adoption, and

marriage questions appear. This, for the _

most part, is a sad solution. If you have

'rushed into a sexual relationship, why

should this have anything to do with marriage? Unwanted children have no place in todayfs over-populated world. You cannot manifest maternal desires by giving birth to a child you know you will not have time for.

We know there are a billion things to be done for mankind and the world in every field. Here you are at an “institu- tion of higher learning” where, even if it does not allow youto think for yourself, it does provide you with countless means of gaining knowledge. Gracious, young women should no longer rob the world of their ideas with their excuses of ‘shy- ness, dumbness, disinterest or female- ness. They must come out of their shadows and present their ideas to de- bate, to influence, and to inspire.

The second solution to your pregnancy is not to have the baby. This can be carried out in several. ways. Suicide, puncturing your womb, falling down a long flight of stairs to list a few which are effective, except they involve other rather serious problems. Do you under- stand? '

In Canada. legal abortions may be performed only if the health ~ mental, as well as physical - of the woman is endangered. These abortions are okayed and arranged by therapeutic abortion boards at each hospital. These boards usually‘comprise a psychiatrist, 'a gyn- ecologist. and other respectable doctors of the community. In Fredericton, it is difficult to be approved for mental reasons by the board unless you are con- sidered almost psychotic. Since m0st young women are‘physically very cap- able of having children, the chances of a legal abortion here are almost nil. If you are from out-of-town, you could consult a general practitioner in your area and

' ask him to refer "your case to the local

abortion board. As you can see. it is generally advisable. not to get your hopes up for a legal abortion.

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abortion clinic for arrangements 1

“at this time, the birth control Pm

The backwardness or conservatism these Canadian abortion laws is utter disgusting. They are due partly to t years of male chauvinism on the part doctors, lawyers, and legislators. The men are not bothered by unwant children because their Wives have be contraception-conscious or they ha had the necessary amount of money i an abortion or for raising the child. U fortunately, many Women, whose lil time occupation has been raising childre do not understand contraception : comprehend the necessary amount money and time that a child requi The passivity and innocent sacrifices the historical role of women also tak its shareof blame in this dilemma of wanted children. We must realize t women are more than breeders and t rearing children should only be done those who want to undertake it. Wom must assume responsibility of their 0 bodies. -

Lastly, in solving our pregnan plight, is the possibility of an ille abortion. This is easy provided you h $300 to $600? Think about that, terms‘of tuition, books, etc. It’s a 10t money. But, nobody will be aware your disgraceful situation. To date, closest city providing safe, skillful tions is Montreal. You can telephorle

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within 24—hours, be perfectly cured 3 back home. Most girls, who have 119 taken the pill usually begin it af ' first abortion. However the rate of. occurrence is surprising. So, some 1“ do not like the pill.

And why the hell should we? Th are such things as side effects, i.e.‘ legs. tiredness, weight gain, etc. 365‘ men do not have to take anyth Granted, science is still working 0" moming-after pill and pills for men: ’

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acknowledge-d to-be the best memo- contraception. Furthermore any “’0 ‘ who psychologically wants to take .' pill has few side-effects — usually “0" except peace of mind and a 2’“ sexual enjoyment.