Student body approves sale of contraceptives

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32676, 4 August 1971, Page 1

Student body approves sale of contraceptives

The installation of two contraceptive vending machines in the Student Union building has been approved by the executive committee of the University of Canterbury Student’s Association on the suggestion of the association’s welfare officer (Miss M. Flanagan) and the incoming president of the association (Mr J. Crichton).

Miss Flanagan said last evening that it was expected that a special general meeting of the Students’ Association would be called to consider the action taken by the executive committee, if there was sufficient outcry among students indicating that they were not in favour of the proposal.

The committee says that its decision is an endeavour to combat the growing incidence of venereal disease among young people in Christchurch.

A similar decision three years ago caused widespread public controversy and was rescinded.

The proposal is supported by the director of the University of Canterbury Student Health Service (Dr K. E. Ussher) and the venereologist at the Christchurch Hospital (Dr W. M. Platts).

Sex “commonplace” Dr Platts said last evening that the widespread use of the birth control pill had not precluded venereal disease. “Whether we like it or not, sex is now commonplace on the campus,” Dr Platts said. “Vending machines are important, as the sheath is the only contraceptive that is a V.D. preventive as well.” Three years ago the Student Health Service said that

such machines were “undesirable until their positive value can be substantiated.” Last evening Dr Ussher said that the service now apS roved of the idea and that e commended the students for “taking a*.lead” in this field. “This is not an unreasonable move,” Dr Ussher said. "Three years ago we felt that we shouldn’t push things.

Now the climate is more na sonable.” When the Vice-Chancello (Professor N. C. Phillips) wa asked for his opinion he sail that he had had .a chat wit the acting president of th Students’ Association (Mr G Smith) on the implications o such a scheme. “I would hope that this i an issue which the student would be able to resolv • themselves,” Professor Phil J lips said. Asked whether the Univet r sity Council would have ti • approve the installation o ‘ vending machines . in th 5 Students' Union, Professo • Phillips said the council controlled the whole of the uni- ' versity property. He did not - wish to comment any further. 1 Cabinet discussion The proposal three years ago to install contraceptive j vending machines was re- ' scinded by a special meeting of the University of Canterbury Students’ Association after there had been widespread controversy in which the Prime Minister (Sir Keith Holyoake) condemned the proposal as “quite repulsive.” The proposal was placed before the Cabinet for discussion by Sir Keith Holyoake, who asked for an inquiry. The results of this inquiry were never made, public, as the student decision was rescinded. Since then the Students’ Association has published a wide range of sex education material and conducted intensive programmes of student education on such matters. One publication, “Living with Sex,” has been requested by more than 80 per cent of the secondary schoo® throughout the country for discussion by senior classes.

■ and 5000 copies of it have been requested by Australian t universities. i The acting president of the I Students’ Association (Mr G. I Smith) said last evening that the expected the executive . committee’s decision would I be supported by the general body or students. i “We all hope that this i more honest approach to the ; problem of VJD. will be un- • derstood, not just by students but by the public at ■ large. We do hope also to > break new ground and reF move some of the anachron- > istic attitudes to this whole ■ field,” he said.