At Catholic universities like DePaul in Chicago, access to birth control is severely limited due to religious doctrine. In response, student activists have launched covert initiatives to fill what they see as gaps in sexual and reproductive health care. One such effort is the “womb service,” a contraceptive delivery network run by students who once formed the campus chapter of Planned Parenthood Generation Action.
DePaul Shuts Down Group Citing Religious Mission
DePaul University revoked the group’s official status in June, citing its affiliation with Planned Parenthood and policies that restrict distributing medical supplies inconsistent with Catholic values. The university’s stance reflects Catholic teachings that discourage premarital sex and contraception. Maya Roman, an economics student who leads the group, called the disbandment deeply disappointing. Now operating off campus, the group discreetly delivers emergency contraception and condoms.
Catholic Campuses Face Growing Student Pushback
Similar student-led networks have emerged at Loyola University and the University of Notre Dame. These groups often function without official recognition, hosting education seminars and discreet delivery services. At Loyola, the group Students for Reproductive Justice runs “Free Condom Friday” and fills dozens of orders each week. At Notre Dame, students sued over denied birth control coverage and now distribute contraception off campus.
Broader National Climate Intensifies Campus Struggles
Nationally, efforts to restrict contraception access have increased. Several Republican-led states have introduced laws limiting birth control, and the Trump administration reduced funding to clinics that offer contraception. Illinois stands in contrast, with a recent law requiring public universities to provide on-campus contraceptives — a rule that does not apply to private institutions like DePaul.
Supporters and Detractors Voice Concerns
Supporters argue these student-led efforts protect reproductive autonomy and address urgent needs in underserved communities. Critics, including university administrators, maintain that such actions conflict with institutional missions rooted in Catholic values. Still, students like Roman say they won’t back down. “You’re not alone in this fight,” she affirmed, hoping others will follow their lead.
Source:
At Catholic colleges, student activists go underground to provide contraception
Photo by Sharon Waldron on Unsplash
About Post Author
