Last week, pundits on both sides of the political spectrum took part in an intense discussion chronicling President Obama’s first 100 days in office. While both proponents and detractors were quick to hand out ratings and “report cards” describing what has — and has not — been accomplished by the administration thus far, Cecil Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, decided to give the administration a very specific report card: one based on its accomplishments in women’s healthcare. How did Obama, whose recent successes include overturning the global gag rule and constructing the White House Council on Women and Girls, fare? Unsurprisingly, he received an “A” on this crucial subject.

So far, the Obama administration has made inarguable efforts aimed at improving healthcare for women. Of the many issues associated with this topic, birth control has become one of the most predominant social concerns in recent years, especially for college women. The first line of defense against unintended pregnancy, birth control (oral contraceptives, condoms, diaphragms, etc.) is of paramount importance, especially in the blazing debate over abortion. Clearly, birth control is preventative care, and individuals with access to, and knowledge of, preventative care are far less likely to experience an unwanted pregnancy. It stands to reason that if preventative care is made more available to those at risk for such pregnancies, the need for abortion would be significantly lowered. After all, fewer abortions are conducted when fewer unintended pregnancies occur.

For college women, the importance of birth control simply cannot be overstated. Nationally, the unintended pregnancy rate is highest among college-age females; according to a study conducted by Planned Parenthood, nearly 75,000 young women per year will face the challenges of an unintended pregnancy. However, by taking the correct steps to combat such a fate, females on campuses across America can take reproductive responsibility. Here at UW-Platteville, Student Health Services offers a commendable array of affordable, accessible contraceptive methods. Any student currently carrying three credits or more is eligible for oral contraceptives, which cost $15 a cycle. For those on a Family Planning waiver, the pills are free. Of course, Student Health Services also offers other options, such as Deloprovara, an injectable contraceptive, and condoms. Whatever the method, Student Health Services is a fantastic resource for students seeking preventative care.

Recently, President Obama passed a provision in the omnibus bill that overturned portions of the 2005 Deficit Reduction Act; this act, which resulted in an immense increase (sometimes a much as 900%) in birth control prices at community and college clinics nationwide, undeniably harmed students by restricting access to contraceptive care. With the institution of the omnibus provision, birth control will be more accessible and inexpensive for a majority of college women in America. This, of course, is the goal. As New York Congresswoman Louis Slaughter contends, “For most women, including women who want to have children, contraception is not an option; it is a basic health care necessity.”