Campus Contraceptives

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31769, 28 August 1968, Page 16

Campus Contraceptives

Sir, —Professor Crowther believes that university students are “no worse than any other section of the community.” The trouble is that the general public expect them to be better. Any elite group must accept the fact that the generality of citizens expect from it a higher than average standard of behaviour; this applies, for example, to professional men and women and to members of Parliament. Whether such expectations are reasonable or unreasonable is irrelevant; they exist and always will exist. Most of us look up for leadership by example; when we are disappointed, we turn away in contempt.—Yours, etc , J. DUGDALE. August 27, 1968. Sir, —Before the Canterbury University Students’ Association instals contraceptivevending machines, perhaps someone had better tell them that contraceptives are not infallible; they may lower the chance of pregnancy and they may not; they may restrict the spread of veneral disease and they may not. They could be compared with a car safety belt or a life jacket, it is still a matter of luck. I suggest students stick to their learning and curb their yearnings; they could win a nursery and not a bursary. The path of sex is long and interesting and should be walked carefully and by degrees. Many have fallen by the wayside; learn by their folly.—Yours, etc., PAT T. SHEEHAN. August 27, 1968.

Sir, —1 support the Students Association executive’s proposal to instal contracep-tive-vending machines at the university. It seems to me a desirable move on two grounds. First, it is needed to show that students are broadminded, tolerant, and mature, and not just children out of school. Second, it will be of invaluable help to future university students if, when studying our present civilisation, they are able to discover that the two commodities considered essential enough to require instant on-the-spot provision were cigarettes and contraceptives.—Yours, etc., S. V. R YOUNG. August 27, 1968.

Sir, —In writing this letter I merely wish to register the fact that as, a university student, I do not support the Students’ Association executive’s decision in advocating the installation of contracep-tive-vending machines. , I cannot claim to know facts and figures relating to the usefulness of contraceptives in dealing with illegitimacy rates and other problems arising from promiscuity. However. 1 wonder whether the executive's solution to the problem is really “realistic” or effective.—Yours, etc., D. M. H. TOVEY. August 26, 1968. Sir, —How funny, how pathetically funny, that with so much that needs the attention of informed student leadership all we get is a demand for the old escapism and selfindulgence. As Malcolm Muggeridge commented in a parallel situation, “It is one of those situations a social historian with a sense of humour will find very much

to his taste. All is prepared for a marvellous release of youthful creativity; we await the great works of art—and what do we get? The resort of any old, slobbering debauchee any where in the world at any time.” Apart from looking like a fait accompli to be delivered to students arriving back from vacation, the executive’s decision has yet to be shown to enjoy the support of the majority of Canterbury .Univer sity-students. As a university student myself I hope public reaction will not just be disapproval but open contempt—Yours, etc., R. A. ROBINSON. August 27, 1968.

Sir, —Before the public get the idea (or have it reinforced) that the students of Canterbury are totally depraved I, for one, dissociate myself from the recent decision of the executive on contraceptive - vending machines. 1 may be in a minority but as a final year B.E. student I feel I have a right to speak. I heartily endorse the Rev. S. Dawson's views, which you printed close r to the original announcement by the executive. I would like to reassure the public that many of my friends feel the same, and it is reasonably safe to send their daughters here next year.—Yours, etc., D. B. NICHOLAS. August 27, 1968.

Sir, —The installation of a contraceptive-vending machine at the university, as a responsible attitude to the illegitimacy problem, is doomed to failure because it places the rest onsibility on the male. The introduction of the pill, when women could control the size of families, proved, in my opinion, that although contraceptives have always been available, men were very reluctant to use them, In or out of marriage, I believe that the use of contraceptives is sounder than unwanted pregnancy, but it can only be successful if women take the responsibility.—Yours, etc., R. P. August 27, 1968.

Sir, —My congratulations to the students in attempting a solution to the growing problem of illegitimacy. Often the parents of these illegitimate children are not sensitive to the sentiments expressed by the students’ critics, sentiments of sanctimonious, immaculate, honourable love. It is easier to help them not have these unwanted children than to teach them these virtues.—Yours, etc., E.R.T. August 27, 1968.

Sir, —Could not Professor Crowther have shown a deeper understanding of the “vast social problem” of illegitimacy? With contraceptive knowledge and aids readily available, why are so many children conceived outside marriage? What infantile need is desperate for satisfaction in these immature adults? The professor mentions the difficulty of finding sufficient suitable adoptive parents, and the possible demand for more expensive orphanages, but what are the real needs of these babies—not substitutes after rejection, but mothering from birth by their natural mother? The problem of providing economic and emotional help for these unsupported mothers must be faced. Why can a profesosr of psychology not help the students understand the real issues involved, and gain insight into the cause of this social problem, and aim to help these young people accept their responsibilities as adults?—Yours, etc., HECATE. August 27, 1968.