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EDITORIAL: Getting guilt free testing
Editorial | 4/15/08
Posted online at 2:18 AM EST on 4/15/08
Because of the potential that free sexually transmitted infections testing has to empower students and allow them to make informed choices, we urge the administration to resolve its disputes with the Student Union, conclude negotiations currently in progress and offer free testing for STIs to the student body.
In the status quo, STI testing requires students to go out of their way to pay out of their own pockets or through private insurance, through which charges can often appear on parents' bills. These two hindrances create an associated stigma that could discourage students from getting tested. If even a single student that otherwise would have been too ashamed to obtain testing now seeks vital information on STI infection, then we have contributed to the growth of a mature and responsible campus climate.
Arguments brought against free testing are widely unpersuasive. First, it is argued that it would take away the availability of appointments to students with more urgent needs. Giving students information needed to make good sexual choices, however, is clearly of vital importance and should take priority. The purported financial cost-estimated to cost the University between 50 and 80 thousand dollars a year-also seems insignificant relative to the potential harm in terms of the spread of undiagnosed diseases, that can't easily be quantified or measured.
Poor utilization of STI testing offered in the past should not imply that the availability of services did not significantly benefit the lives of students or that students would not take advantage of such services if offered again. A recent survey conducted by the Student Union found widespread support among students for testing, with 303 out of 391 students who responded saying that they would likely take advantage of testing if it were free of charge. We should arm students with the power to make responsible and educated decisions.
In the status quo, STI testing requires students to go out of their way to pay out of their own pockets or through private insurance, through which charges can often appear on parents' bills. These two hindrances create an associated stigma that could discourage students from getting tested. If even a single student that otherwise would have been too ashamed to obtain testing now seeks vital information on STI infection, then we have contributed to the growth of a mature and responsible campus climate.
Arguments brought against free testing are widely unpersuasive. First, it is argued that it would take away the availability of appointments to students with more urgent needs. Giving students information needed to make good sexual choices, however, is clearly of vital importance and should take priority. The purported financial cost-estimated to cost the University between 50 and 80 thousand dollars a year-also seems insignificant relative to the potential harm in terms of the spread of undiagnosed diseases, that can't easily be quantified or measured.
Poor utilization of STI testing offered in the past should not imply that the availability of services did not significantly benefit the lives of students or that students would not take advantage of such services if offered again. A recent survey conducted by the Student Union found widespread support among students for testing, with 303 out of 391 students who responded saying that they would likely take advantage of testing if it were free of charge. We should arm students with the power to make responsible and educated decisions.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
David
posted 4/17/08 @ 10:27 PM EST
If the University were to fund STD testing, students would be paying double for the service, first in the form of their health insurance premium and then in their tuition. (Continued…)
Lev
posted 4/18/08 @ 12:21 AM EST
This is incorrect. The Brandeis plan does NOT cover STD testing in anyway. Brandeis students on the health care plan provided by the University have to pay upwards of $200 for STD testing at the health center. (Continued…)
Alan Royals
posted 4/18/08 @ 1:15 AM EST
Why should I be paying because other people choose to engage in risky behaviors? People can live how they choose, but ought to be prepared for the consequences. (Continued…)
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