After the election of President-elect Donald Trump on Nov. 5, medical care professionals and advocates are confronting questions surrounding changes to access to reproductive and gender affirming care. This uncertainty is magnified by the overturning of Roe v. Wade (1973) in 2022 and Trump’s conflicting comments on policies controlling access to contraception, such as birth control and Plan B emergency contraceptive pills. For Swarthmore students who receive health care in Pennsylvania, this uncertainty exists on campus as well. The Phoenix spoke to Paige Jennings, director of gender and sexuality initiatives at Swarthmore College, about potential impacts of the Trump election and what students should know about health care and gender and minority advocacy.
Jennings also directs the Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC), located in a cottage next to Olde Club. The GSC’s mission is to cultivate “an inclusive space for addressing issues relating to marginalized genders and sexualities,” according to the Swarthmore College website. Its staff host programming for Pride and Women’s History Month and maintain a resource page. Below is an edited transcript of The Phoenix’s conversation with Jennings.
Lucy Tobier: How could Trump’s win impact students’ access to health care and reproductive care in Pennsylvania?
Paige Jennings: I actually think it’s a bit too early to anticipate what exact changes could be coming with a Trump presidency. Looking at his previous term as president, we might see changes in the way prescriptions are covered by health insurance, specifically birth control, and [changes in] funding for preventative care (pap smears, breast exams, etc). I’m actually relatively hopeful that abortion access will remain legal in PA [given Democrat control of the state House and Governor’s office] but time will tell.
LT: What should students do to take care of themselves, emotionally and physically, in the coming months?
PJ: I am encouraging my students to take time to grieve. It’s okay to not have an action plan — or to even desire to have an action plan — right now. This win came as a shock and disappointment to a lot of individuals, especially those with marginalized identities. I think we should all be doing whatever we need to do to maintain mental health. If you’re going home for the holidays to family members that don’t align with your political beliefs, maybe skip the argument and try to talk about other subjects this year. There will be plenty of time and opportunity to gather and fight for rights. To be the best advocate, you have to take care of yourself. Do that now, and when you’re ready, we’ll fight back together.
LT: How can students get involved to advocate for health care and LGBTQ+ rights?
PJ: The GSC is working on getting an action plan together for students who want to advocate for bodily autonomy and LGBTQ+ rights. Right now, the best thing you can do is educate yourself on topics you aren’t familiar with. Listen to your friends who are impacted by these issues. We will be hosting our annual Bodily Autonomy Fair in March 2025, where we will have plenty of information on how to be an advocate for these issues.
LT: Are there any federal decisions that impact the services Swarthmore and the GSC can provide?
PJ: None that I’m aware of, yet. This is definitely a wait-and-see question.
LT: How can students access birth control and contraceptive care now?
PJ: The Student Health and Wellness Center is the best and most convenient place to go for birth control and contraceptive care. If you are off campus and need access to Plan B, it can be quite pricey. We recommend using GoodRX for a coupon to make it more affordable. There are multiple safer sex stations across campus — thanks to the [Sexual Health Advocates] — that students can access, as well. If you go off campus for your health care, be sure to talk openly and honestly to your physician about contraceptive care. If you are LGBTQ+ and would like an off-campus, gender affirming, sex-positive doctor, we have a great relationship with Mosaic Medical. Contact pjennin1@swarthmore.edu for more information.
LT: Are there any stigmas around LGBTQ+ rights and protections that the Trump administration has pushed, that you’d like to dispel?PJ: Oh my, too many to answer here. I’m most concerned about the trans community and false narratives around gender and identity. I’m especially concerned for our trans students and their access to health care, mental care, and positive community. For our trans students — and anyone else — if I can leave you with anything, know that you are loved and valued for exactly who you are at Swarthmore. Even when it might not seem like it, you have people advocating for you and rooting for you. You can always find a safe, loving, and celebratory space in the GSC. You are not expected to navigate the next four years alone. Reach out if you need any kind of support.
