Let’s talk about vaginas. I know it seems like feminists always want to talk about vaginas, but that’s because we feel they are overlooked too often. People forget that the health and safety of vaginas is in fact inseparable from the health and safety of women.The Student Health Clinic on campus does not offer gynecological care for its students. The clinic can give you a pregnancy test and an STD test. You can go in if you suspect you have a urinary tract infection or other problem, but you cannot receive a Pap test.At the age of 18, every woman should start going to the gynecologist for an annual Pap test. The American Cancer Society recommends that annual testing begin at this age or earlier, depending on sexual activity, to detect abnormalities, including cervical cancer. Loyola’s student body is made up of approximately 60 percent women, which means that 60 percent of the students on this campus are required to see doctors off campus for regular preventative care.Unfortunately, most people don’t like talking about vaginas, especially with parents. If female students cannot receive preventative gynecological care on campus, they are forced to seek care under the health insurance of their parents. Many parents see a visit to the gynecologist as contingent on sexual activity, a subject that even loving families have problems approaching. Therefore, without resources available on campus, frequently without parental support, especially financial support, female students are forced to provide for themselves. Planned Parenthood is usually the solution, which can be a logistical challenge for students without transportation.Loyola is not the only university that does not offer gynecological services to its students, but many do. Creighton University, St. Joseph’s University, Seattle University and University of Scranton are all Jesuit colleges of similar sizes and similar male-female ratios that do offer annual Pap tests to their female students. Loyola could join those institutions in setting an example and could show both its current and prospective students that health is not overlooked here.In the interest of setting a good example, the clinic should think about employing some women physicians, as all the part-time doctors are male. Many women prefer seeing a female doctor for a gynecological exam as a way to make what is already an uncomfortable exam less so. It may also save time for the clinic, as a female nurse would not be required to sit in on any examinations.Why are these services not offered? If the answer is money, then I would suggest that screening students for cancer is more important than building statues and monuments. It is nothing less than sexism not to offer gynecological care; the female students on this campus are simply asking to have our basic needs met.The Women’s Issues Organization is declaring April 4 Loyola Vagina Day. To celebrate, the organization will make petitions available for all students, faculty and staff — petitions asking for gynecological care at Loyola.For the health and safety of Loyola’s vaginas, I implore you to come to the Peace Quad on April 4 and sign.

Nicole Cathcart is a communications senior.