The Collegian -- Published April 22, 2016

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thecollegian

Issue 13 • Friday, April 22, 2016 • deltacollegian.net

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FEWER OBSTACLES TO PREVENTION

Birth control available at pharmacies

WINNERS IN THE POOL

BY GLORIA GIBBS deltacollegian@gmail.com

Delta’s swim coaches speak on this season’s winning team and coaching techniques.

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ASPARAGUS FESTIVAL San Joaquin County Fairgrounds hosts annual event.

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California is now the second state behind Oregon to allow women of any age the opportunity to purchase birth control from local pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. The birth control pharmacies will carry pills, Depo-Provera injections, vaginal rings and transdermal patches. Implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs) still require a visit to the doctor. Critics can argue that allowing women of any age to purchase birth control can be seen as promoting teenagers to start having sex, but not everyone agrees. “I think some would think that but I don't think so. It's not promoting it because there are procedures before they can purchase it,” said student Ezrae Llanes. Before women can buy birth control at a pharmacy a health questionnaire will need to be filled out. A woman’s blood must also be checked by the pharmacist. Pharmacies may charge for these screenings as well.

“America is the country with the biggest unplanned pregnancies,” said student Robert Linson. By making birth control more accessible, the state wants to see a decrease in unplanned pregnancies. The new law was passed by the California legislature in 2013 but the option to purchase birth control without a doctor’s prescription was not put into effect until April 18. “It’s a good idea especially for the young girls to get on birth control,” said Dominica Martin, a 20 year old woman from Stockton. According to the California Department of Public Health, teen pregnancy has seen a decrease in numbers and is at a number of 28.0 births per every 1,000 teens ages ranging from 15 to 19 as of 2013. Critics say there’s more to it than just allowing easy access to contraceptives. “It’s just a Band-Aid cure for a deeply entrenched problem. Instead of finding and

solving the root cause, they're simply generating ways to alleviate the current situation. It's a little haphazard considering the different effects a certain birth control can have on different people. It's always better to know beforehand what you're taking into your body. But not everyone can afford a consultation. So lawmakers attempt to remedy this by simply making birth control more available instead of 1) better health insurance for all, 2) raising wages for all, and 3) better sex education,” said Llanes in an e-mail interview. It is unknown whether or not other states will follow but should this become a nationwide thing? “That would be helpful if it was universal especially for women who don't have healthcare,” said student Monique Tong, a Sacramento State student.

BY ALIYAH STOECKL deltacollegian@gmail.com

MARKETING DELTA Strategies now in place to increase enrollment.

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IN THE KNOW

April is National Autism Awareness Month.

APRIL 30 National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day MAY 3 Mayoral debate held at the North Forum at 7:30 p.m.

On April 12, Sacramento lawmakers discussed whether to favor Senate Bill 899, which will end gender-based discrimination towards woman products. For years, controversy around discrimination against woman has increasingly been lifted and brought into the spotlight. This controversy today is called “Pink Tax” which refers to women paying more money than men in similar products. “It’s unfair because we all need it. It’s a necessity,” said Shelby Thomas, a Delta student. These products include personal care, clothing and even girl’s toys. This bill will prohibit businesses from charging customers higher prices on similar products that differ on the basis of gender. “Honestly, I feel that you guys should get cheaper. I didn’t know this. Women use [personal

care products] more. Us guys shave our beards but not legs like women. We don’t have to maintain our looks,” said Efren Paez, a Delta student. According to the State of California on MarketWatch.com, “women pay an annual ‘gender tax’ of $1,351 more than men for the same services.” This difference can be easily seen in the aisle of the razors at any local store. A new video by The Daily Share reveals, “Schick Hydro razor for men $8.56 while Schick Silk for women $9.97.” The Daily Share also revealed a difference in perfume and cologne. A brand called Narciso Rodriguez Eau De Toilette for him costs $87.00 while Narciso Rodriguez for her costs $106.60. Prices like these are what caused concerns.

See PINK TAX, Page 2

NEXT ISSUE: May 6 • CONTACT US: deltacollegian@gmail.com or (209) 954-5156 • ONE FREE COPY

PHOTOILLUSTRATION BY MEGAN MAXEY

‘Pink tax’ charges women more


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