A Student ‘Womb Service’ Works Covertly to Deliver Contraception at a Catholic College
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A Student ‘Womb Service’ Works Covertly to Deliver Contraception at a Catholic College
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A Student ‘Womb Service’ Works Covertly to Deliver Contraception at a Catholic College in Chicago |
Underground Efforts Highlight Gaps in Reproductive Health at DePaul University |
In the heart of Chicago, a bold student initiative is quietly challenging campus norms at DePaul University.
This covert operation, known as the 'womb service,' delivers essential contraception items like condoms and emergency pills through discreet handoffs.
Students text for pickups, meeting at off-campus spots to receive paper bags filled with supplies.
As a Catholic college, DePaul strictly bans birth control distribution on its grounds, aligning with church teachings.
Yet, activists argue this leaves a critical void in reproductive health support for diverse student bodies.
Recent reports show the group, formerly tied to Planned Parenthood, now operates independently after losing official status.
They handle up to 25 weekly orders and run educational sessions on sexual health.
Nearby, at Loyola University, similar underground networks provide condoms and tests, often at bus stops just beyond campus borders.
These efforts come amid broader U.S. pushes to limit contraception access, contrasting with Illinois laws mandating it at public schools.
Local organizers emphasize empowering peers in 'challenging environments,' reducing unplanned pregnancies and promoting autonomy.
With vending machines emerging elsewhere, Chicago's Catholic campuses remain hotspots for such grassroots innovation.
Students vow to persist, reapplying under new names and inspiring change across the city.
This movement underscores a growing tension between institutional values and student needs in 2025. |