A student who is concerned about a pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease can get tested at Belmont’s student health center, but students hoping to get condoms, oral contraceptives, or other means of preventing those conditions have to go elsewhere to obtain these services.

That policy leaves some students offended, others pleased, and many simply confused.

Sophomore Michael Gaier fears the university’s refusal to provide means of preventing pregnancy and STDs may give students a negative impression of its own administration.

“I think it should be an option because everyone has a right to choose for themselves,” he said. “Without providing that service, Belmont sort of alienates itself from its own student body.”

Dean of Students Andrew Johnston explained that Belmont does not provide contraception at the health center because doing so would contradict the school’s Christian principles. STD and pregnancy testing are provided because they are diagnostic, rather then preventative.

And Katy Wilson, director of Belmont Student Health Services, said, “I don’t see the lack of these services as a big deficit,” especially when there are places close by that specialize in them.

Her statement is true. Students can buy condoms at the Circle K across the street from the Curb Café, and every pharmacy and convenience store has a variety of over-the-counter contraceptive options.

For prescription contraceptives, however, most locations are a bit farther away. The Vanderbilt Women’s Health Clinic and other area clinics and gynecologists’ offices, many just two to three miles from campus, provide appointments for pills, patches and other prescription contraceptives, in addition to condoms and spermicides.

Some Belmont students support the school’s stance on contraceptives, considering its sexual conduct policy as a Christian university.

“Really it’s the school’s choice,” junior Daniell Leipply said. “Isn’t this a sex-free campus? Plus it’s a school with Christian values. We have plenty of clinics that distribute [contraceptives]. A institution of higher learning shouldn’t have to do that.”

Many students, however, are opposed to the lack of birth control options offered by Belmont, citing a university’s obligation to look out for the well-being of its students.

“I think it’s unethical,” senior John Boan said. “I think the university has a responsibility to recognize the truth of the matter.”

Boan and others point out that many college students engage in sexual activity, whether they’re on a small Christian campus or at a huge state school. Indeed, Nearly 40 percent of undergraduate women use oral contraceptives, according to the American College Health Association.

From a Christian perspective, junior Kali Sorenson believes birth control should be available at Belmont.

“I’m on the pill, and I’m a virgin,” she said. “I’ve never had sex. I was prescribed it just because of another problem.

While Sorenson does not condone sex before marriage, she acknowledges that it happens. “I’m definitely pro-life, and it seems like you would lose more lives by making birth control unavailable,” she said.

Junior Carlie Rhoads expressed a different concern.

“Since they don’t offer contraceptives it seems like they don’t look kindly upon people who are having sex,” she said. “So I don’t think they’d be willing to help me if I had a problem.”

Johnston, however, said services are professional and the providers don’t pass judgment or betray student confidentiality.

“Our health services and our counseling services are decidedly separate from our student conduct processes,” he said. Students “can feel comfortable that they can talk about these things.”

Some students are offended that birth control isn’t provided because of its use in treating ailments unrelated to preventing pregnancy.

Wilson confirmed that “a whole host of medical conditions affect the menstrual cycle, many of which are unrelated to being sexually active.”

Oral contraceptives, commonly called the birth control pill or simply “The Pill,” contain hormones often used to regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce cramps and heavy, long or irregular menstrual cycles, and can aid in treating polycystic ovary disease, acne, anemia and thyroid disease.

Sophomore Deonte Warren gained understanding of the other uses of the birth control pill when it was prescribed for a former girlfriend.

“My ex had anemia really bad, and it really helped,” he said. “Birth control doesn’t always have to go with having sex.”

That’s a legitimate use, but Johnston said the university does “not want to get in the business of policing that.”

Johnston also reminded students that the Belmont health center is not intended to be a student’s primary care provider.

“We see ourselves as fitting into a larger picture of health care,” he said. “When you look at it from that standpoint we don’t provide every single service for students period.”

Other students understand why Belmont policies prohibit birth control, but feel Belmont should change its stance on the issue.

“I can see why they’re against it,” said junior Zach Moore. “But at the same time, I still believe they should have it as an option.”