Sexual Health Services

Emergency Contraception

Plan B is a levonorgestrel morning-after pill that can lower the chance of pregnancy if taken within three days of unprotected sex. The Health Center has this emergency contraception available beginning Fall 2022 for students as needed following both consensual and nonconsensual sexual intercourse. Students must schedule an appointment in order to receive this medication.

Routine Contraception

There are many different birth control options available, including pills, injections, patches, condoms, and intra-uterine devices (IUDs) which, when used properly, are helpful for pregnancy prevention. Condoms are available on campus. Students should reach out to their community advisor (CA) or the Health Center if they need assistance with obtaining these. Make sure you throw condoms out if the packaging is damaged or it is past the listed expiration date.

Contact the Health Center to discuss which routine birth control option works best for you, your body, and your lifestyle.

Unplanned Pregnancy

An unplanned pregnancy can be a complex, challenging, and scary issue to manage at any time in your life. College life and responsibilities can amplify an already stressful situation for students. Health Center staff are here to provide students with support and information about their options, and with utmost respect for your privacy. Students who need transportation, or who do not feel safe going alone, to the off-campus resources listed below may request assistance from the Health Center or Campus Safety. Students do not have to be New York State residents to receive care in this state.  

Abortion

Students opting to pursue an abortion, the right to which is codified in New York State law, will be referred to Planned Parenthood. There they will have access to the abortion pill, if eligible, as well as to surgical options and access to any necessary emergency or follow-up care. In New York, an abortion remains an option up to and including 24 weeks of pregnancy. After 24 weeks, an abortion is legal if the mother’s health or pregnancy is at risk.

College personnel will remain in contact with local Planned Parenthood offices throughout the year to ensure they are able to serve our students in a timely fashion.

Adoption

Students pursuing a path toward adoption will be referred to the Willow Network. This organization can work with students directly to provide support throughout their pregnancy and provide information on adoption options.

Continuation of Pregnancy

Students planning to continue their pregnancy will be referred to a local OB-GYN for prenatal care.

If a student chooses to continue their pregnancy, that does not mean they must withdraw their enrollment at Hamilton. Please speak with the Student Support Care Team regarding options including a medical leave of absence at the appropriate time.

All students referred to these off-campus resources will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment a few weeks later at the Health Center to be sure they remain supported on whatever path they choose. Health Center staff are dedicated to providing non-judgmental support to students and advocating for their well-being during a difficult time. With the student’s permission, the Health Center may refer them to the Counseling Center or connect them with the Student Support Care Team, ALEX Advisors, Chaplaincy, or other campus resources.