Morning after pill help= preventing pregnancy after rape questions

[TravelingChris]

This is all hypothetical but my very anxious daughter is going away to college in August. SHe has low blood pressure problems and she really fears being out at night, passing out and being raped. Unfortunately, she also has Factor V Leiden and cannot be safely put on the pill or any other hormonal medication to stop a pregnancy. She obsesses and panics. If she is ever raped, I think I would have a very hard problem keeping her sane and alive but she really can't get pregnant because I think that would make her lose both. We are anti-abortion but I am not anti artificial birth control. What can I do to keep her safe? I told her about campus escorts but she says she hates to depend on others.

[specialmama]

She hates to depend on others? I'd say suck it up, Buttercup, and do what you have to do to be safe.

[snickelfritz]

Have her take a self defense course. I took one at my university and it was awesome. Physical stuff, but also lots of prevention tips. Things that seem like common sense, but are wrong.

[Mama2Many4]

If it's unsafe for her to ever be pregnant, then let her have a hysterectomy. If it's life and death that's the only way. Anything else besides that is life. If it's NOT life or death for her to be pregnant, then she has to live life without worrying about all the "what if's" in life.

[Skadi]

Has she considered getting the Paragard IUD? It's a non-hormonal contraceptive device that lasts up to ten years. http://www.paragard.com/

 

This is the official site of the morning after pill, it might help answer some of your questions about that: http://www.planbonestep.com/

 

To be honest, though, the chances of her being raped after passing out while crossing a college campus is extremely low. She's much more likely to be hit by a car or maybe even hit by lightning, considering the circumstances.

[LaxMom]

She hates to depend on others? I'd say suck it up, Buttercup, and do what you have to do to be safe.

 

I have to say, I agree. Smart safety trumps any awkwardness she may feel. Escorts, pepper spray, whistle, air horn, personal defense course... Whatever it takes.

 

Plus, the morning after pill IS hormonal birth control, a massive dose.

[Camarell]

I agree with Karyn, if this is inducing that much anxiety then perhaps going away to college isn't the best idea. Is she really prone to passing out?? I would think I'd look into medications to raise her BP.

[Liz CA]

Not sure obviously since I don't know her but is this a panic issue? Is she so afraid that she actually thinks actively how to avoid it other than normal safety measures, i.e don't walk around alone, etc? Perhaps a sef defense course would make her a little more confident.

I think I would be concerned about getting her some counseling for the fear - especially if it is irrational or bordering on it.

 

I am not being snarky just worried about her why she would be so concerned about this that it is on her mind so much. Did she have a bad experience or some other horrific events happening?

[DianeW88]

To be honest, though, the chances of her being raped after passing out while crossing a college campus is extremely low. She's much more likely to be hit by a car or maybe even hit by lightning, considering the circumstances.

 

:iagree:I think she needs more help in dealing with anxiety and irrational fears than possible birth control in the event of a very unlikely rape situation and an even less likely pregnancy resulting from it.

[Plucky]

:iagree:I think she needs more help in dealing with anxiety and irrational fears than possible birth control in the event of a very unlikely rape situation and an even less likely pregnancy resulting from it.

 

I agree. Maybe she's not ready to go away to college.

[LND1218]

I agree with Karyn, if this is inducing that much anxiety then perhaps going away to college isn't the best idea. Is she really prone to passing out?? I would think I'd look into medications to raise her BP.

 

:iagree:

 

My mom has Factor V Leiden and low blood pressure. And there are things she can take to prevent pregnancy.

 

Does she pass out often?

 

If this were my daughter, she wouldn't be going to college. The anxiety is a bigger concern to me. This level of anxiety over something that probably won't happen tells me she's not ready to go away to college on her own.

[Random]

Honestly, (gently) I think dd needs some help controlling her anxiety. :grouphug: Was she previously assaulted?

[stripe]

. SHe has low blood pressure problems and she really fears being out at night, passing out and being raped.

 

Does she just pass out randomly?

 

I think more young women are raped as part of parties and dates than grabbed off the street.

 

I also think an escort would be much better than fear and make more sense than an IUD for someone not planning to have intercourse. (I don't mean to be indelicate but it might be worth spending time discussing consensual sexuality instead of this remote rape scenario.)

[Perry]

:iagree:I think she needs more help in dealing with anxiety and irrational fears than possible birth control in the event of a very unlikely rape situation and an even less likely pregnancy resulting from it.

:iagree:

 

There is very effective treatment for panic and anxiety. I'd focus on that. But, since you specifically asked about the morning after pill, here is some info:

95. The morning-after pill (postcoital emergency contraceptive pill)

Last Updated: 8/22/2006

Q: "I am 24 years old and have had a blood clot in the leg in the past (DVT = deep vein thrombosis). I am heterozygous for

factor V Leiden. Is it safe for me to take the morning-after pill or does taking it put me at risk for another blood clot?"

A: The morning-after pill does not appear to increase the risk for blood clots in the general population. Whether it is also safe in

people who have a history of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis=DVT or pulmonary embolism=PE) has not been studied.

However, in these women the pill probably does not (if at all) increase the risk for blood clots significantly

The morning-after pill (= postcoital emergency contraceptive pill; Plan B®) is an FDA approved contraceptive pill that can be

used after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy. The pill contains the progestin called levonorgestrel (a so-called 2nd

generation progestin) at 0.75 mg and is taken as one tablet every 12 hours for a total of 2 doses. The dose of levonorgestrel is ca. 3

x higher than the dose in a typical 2nd generation birth control pill. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE)

are not listed in the package insert as possible side effects. This is in keeping with a published study (reference 1) which showed

that individuals taking the postcoital contraceptive pill had no increased risk for blood clots (DVT and PE). The study concluded

that short-term use of postcoital contraceptive pill is not associated with a substantially increased risk for developing venous blood

clots. This study was performed in the general population (in epidemiological terms, it was a population-based cohort study with a

nested case-control analysis).The conclusions can, therefore, not be translated to individuals with previous thrombosis or a clotting

disorder, such as factor V Leiden.

Personal Comment:

While the safety of the morning-after pill has not been studied in women who have a prior history of blood clots or have a known

clotting disorder, such as factor V Leiden or protein S deficiency, the pill likely does not predispose to a significant excess risk in

these individuals, since (a) the treatment is very short and (b) any potential risk is likely less than the thrombotic risk associated

with the pregnancy that treatment is being offered to prevent.

References:

1. Vasilakis C et al: The risk of venous thromboembolism in users of postcoital contraceptive pills. Contraception 1999;59

(2):79-83.

2. http://www.go2planb.com/ForConsumers/Index.aspx (accessed on 8/22/2006).

Factor V Leiden / Thrombophilia Support Page -

 

Also, having Factor V Leiden raises the risk of bleeding and blood clots during pregnancy, but there are treatments and many women have successful pregnancies.

[cathmom]

The fear doesn't seem that irrational to me. Maybe I've watched too many Cold Case episodes though.

[Veritaserum]

IUD

[ZooRho]

She hates to depend on others? I'd say suck it up, Buttercup, and do what you have to do to be safe.

totally this. no one should ever be afraid to have someone walk with them to keep safe. MALE OR FEMALE.

[stripe]

If she never wants to get pregnant, particularly if she intends to become sexually active, maybe an IUD is appropriate. I really don't know since they seem to have enough side effects on their own. But to prefer an IUD only in case of rape?! I think the escort sounds vastly preferable. But I do think it might be very hard on her to be on her own with so much anxiety.

 

I do think she needs to inform herself about campus safety. What she can do to be safe and what the campus can offer her.

[Parrothead]

The fear doesn't seem that irrational to me. Maybe I've watched too many Cold Case episodes though.

Really?

 

I'd think most young men would call 911 when stumbling upon a passed out young woman instead of dropping their pants and having wild s3x with an unresponsive woman.

[Mosaicmind]

Maybe she should get her degree online. I don't think going to college would be a wise choice based on her psychological makeup.

[SweetMissMagnolia]

Have her take a self defense course. I took one at my university and it was awesome. Physical stuff, but also lots of prevention tips. Things that seem like common sense, but are wrong.

 

sounds like a good idea to take a self defense course---and I was another one that was going to suggest an IUD-not all are hormonal......

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

I would confer with her doctors re: emergency contraception, etc. IMHO having Plan B emergency contraception on hand for herself is a good thing as long as the doctors say it is ok. I also would strongly encourage her to use escort services since that is what they are there for:)

[twoforjoy]

I just want to agree that I think her fears are unfounded, and I'd focus on dealing with that anxiety.

 

Honestly, assuming she's not like hanging out at wild parties where there's lots of drinking and sex, and passing out there, I think the likelihood of her being raped after passing out at night are pretty much nil. I know that the campus where I went to college was actually very safe to walk around at night. There were always lots of people around. I wouldn't suggest going out at 4 a.m., but I know that until about 2 a.m. or so, there was just lots of people around, and I felt very safe.

 

Plus, many college students, especially college women, go out in pairs or groups.

[MamaBearTeacher]

She should go for regular counseling for her anxiety. She can work her schedule so she does not have to take night classes. She should not go to wild parties where everyone is drunk. She can try to organize her life so she is around friends a lot and not spending a lot of time alone. Maybe you can go with her to meet the people at the campus escort service so she might feel more comfortable using it. I think birth control to prevent rape is extreme and will just increase her anxiety.

[kalanamak]

:iagree:I think she needs more help in dealing with anxiety and irrational fears than possible birth control in the event of a very unlikely rape situation and an even less likely pregnancy resulting from it.

 

:iagree:

[mhgillil]

According to a study conducted by the DoJ, nearly 5% of college women are raped each year. Her fears are not unfounded.

 

She needs to use whatever escort system is available, take a self-defense course, travel is packs, carry mace, whatever.

 

I am finishing my fifth year of college right now (changed majors late) at a major university in a super safe area. Rape is a huge deal on my campus. It doesn't matter if you don't stay out late, don't drink, or don't go to wild parties. It still happens.

[stripe]

Of course it happens, but there is a huge problem of alcohol usage and drugs slipped in drinks, and date rape.

 

If she anticipates passing out, then mace and self defense won't help.

 

By the way, people do get raped by strangers jumping out of the bushes in the daytime.

 

This whole thing is complicated.

[TracyR]

Yeah , I think her using escort services, taking defense course etc is the way to go, stay in groups with friends etc.

If not then maybe she needs to pick a college that is close to home so she can take her courses there and then come home or take them online.

 

Even though its a reality chances are she'll be just fine.

[kalanamak]

Of course it happens, but there is a huge problem of alcohol usage and drugs slipped in drinks, and date rape.

 

If she anticipates passing out, then mace and self defense won't help.

 

/QUOTE]

 

Some young women respond to some extra salt in their diets (I'm talking about low blood pressure).

[mommaduck]

Really?

 

I'd think most young men would call 911 when stumbling upon a passed out young woman instead of dropping their pants and having wild s3x with an unresponsive woman.

 

:iagree:

 

I also agree that her anxiety is a bigger issue.

 

And, if you/she are/is anti-abortion, then the morning after pill is not for you/her. Ditto with an IUD. Self defence, campus escorts, staying in a group, not wandering after dark, etc (or don't go).

[krisperry]

Rape isn't that uncommon. In fact, I remember seeing the signs everywhere at UNC-CH when I was in school. Scary signs stating the statistics and citing to call an escort.

 

Here is a link to the stats:

http://www.unc.edu/cwc/safe/index.php?page=myths

 

According to them, 20 to 25% of all college women experience rape or attempted rape. That is not a low number. Her anxiety is rooted in a real threat - one to all women (and men). The fact that she can pass out can understandably be a source of concern.

 

That said, I think she needs to feel empowered rather than anxious and some steps need to be taken in order for her to feel so. Have escorts on speed dial - I too hated to ask anyone but it is better to swallow the pride. An IUD sounds like a good idea to me. Avoid the party scene (this is a HUGE one). If she is going with good friends, make sure they are completely aware of her condition and know how to respond.

 

I wish your daughter the best.

[kristinannie]

I don't mean to sound rude here, but is there a reason why she is obsessing over this? You can't completely prevent being raped, although you can take actions to prevent this (self defense, not walking alone at night, taking care of herself so she doesn't pass out). I would find it very hard to believe that if she did pass out that a sexual predator would just happen to be walking by. I don't mean to sound harsh, but I am a victim of rape and there was NOTHING I could have done to prevent it. He slipped something into my drink without my knowledge. I was one of those super careful people who knew self defense.

 

If you want my honest opinion, she is either nervous about leaving home and this is her worst case scenario that she keeps playing in her head. Or...she wants to get on some kind of birth control just in case she decides to have sex in college.

 

Is there someone she can talk to about these fears? Maybe a pastor or a counselor? Honestly, after being raped, pregnancy wasn't high on my list of worries...HIV was!

[wapiti]

If you want my honest opinion, she is either nervous about leaving home and this is her worst case scenario that she keeps playing in her head. Or...she wants to get on some kind of birth control just in case she decides to have sex in college.

:iagree: That's what I was thinking.

 

As for pregnancy, while FVL obviously makes a pregnancy higher risk than without it, pregnancy is not contraindicated for patients with FVL. Excellent prenatal care (involving a peri and anticoagulants) is essential, and will minimize the risk to mom and baby's health. I have FVL, and I have had five pregnancies, including a twin pregnancy and two pregnancies over 40.

[ktgrok]

I understand the fear of rape. I remember being told at orientation that 1 in 4 college women is raped. I was in a dorm suite with 4 women and thought that sounded crazy. It turned out that one of my suite mates was raped before she got to college, and I was raped that year. It is INSANELY common. My best friend has also been raped. In most of these situations it is women that get drunk/pass out/are drugged and are taken advantage of. I was at a party with friends and had too much to drink. I passed out in the bushes while hiding, playing flashlight tag. When I woke up the man that had been hiding behind the same bush was having sex with me. So I really do understand her fear. My best suggestion is to never be out alone. If I'd been using a buddy system and stayed in eyesight of my friends I'd have avoided that situation. She doesn't have to call an escort, but she does need to walk with someone. That isn't relying on others, it is being safe. It isn't a precaution just she needs to take, all women should take it. If she doesn't understand that then she is NOT mature enough to go away to school, period!

[littleWMN]

:iagree: That's what I was thinking.

 

As for pregnancy, while FVL obviously makes a pregnancy higher risk than without it, pregnancy is not contraindicated for patients with FVL. Excellent prenatal care (involving a peri and anticoagulants) is essential, and will minimize the risk to mom and baby's health. I have FVL, and I have had five pregnancies, including a twin pregnancy and two pregnancies over 40.

 

I have a blood clotting disorder similar to FVL as well and I was able to give myself shots of Lovenox to prevent miscarriage (had 5 before that). I also had low blood pressure - as low as 60/40 when I was pregnant.

 

As far as the core issue... I think the ladies here have given sound advice.

[StephanieZ]

1) Take a nice self defense class with her. Buy her some pepper spray. Remind her that the vast majority of college rapes occur by someone the victim knows and trusts. Trust carefully. . . Travel in a pack. . . and with a buddy.

 

2) Get her a couple of "morning after pills" from the pharmacy. Personally, I'd want my college kids to have them on hand, not just for self, but for their FRIENDS, who'll likely need them for all kinds of reasons, hopefully not rape, but sheer stupidity. Some pharmacies and some places do not provided these, or might give someone a hard time. I would NOT want a traumatized girl to not get them due to fear or hassles. . . So, I would want them readily accessible at all times. I'd also identify a pharmacy or two within walking distance from campus that carries them. . . and program that into her phone.

 

(Personally, I'll consider a bottomless bowl of condoms and morning after pills an essential college preparedness item for my kids each semester. . . If I can help save one of my kids' dormmates from unwanted pregnancy or a nasty disease, it'll be well worth the investment and embarassment. . . and if I save one of MY KIDS from one of those things, then it'll be priceless.)

 

3) Make sure she has the rape crisis line (local) and number/address for the local hospital and local pharmacy that are NOT ANTI ABORTION programmed into her phone, so she knows where to send her friend, or God forbid go herself, in an emergency. If one is victimized, it is likely even more vital to be protected from HIV and other diseases than pregnancy. . . So, seeking emergency medical care is essential. Be sure that she has access to medical care that provides the FULL RANGE of medical options, so as not to end up somewhere that considers morning after pills abortion and is medically opposed, or whatever. . .

 

4) Most important of all, teach her that being safe is about being with safe people. She shouldn't travel without someone she trusts to "have her back" at all times. This goes for all college kids. Period.

[Lovedtodeath]

Maybe she should get her degree online. I don't think going to college would be a wise choice based on her psychological makeup.

Hmmm... I guess I still need more help. DH and I decided that it would ruin my life if I ever got pregnant again. He got a vas. I can still get pregnant from rape and I have worried about it, and even considered taking some action to make sure that it would be prevented.

Edited June 24, 2011 by Lovedtodeath

[justamouse]

Here is a link to the stats:

http://www.unc.edu/cwc/safe/index.php?page=myths

 

According to them, 20 to 25% of all college women experience rape or attempted rape. That is not a low number. Her anxiety is rooted in a real threat - one to all women (and men). The fact that she can pass out can understandably be a source of concern.

 

 

 

What the HE!!??! 25%? That's freaking HUGE!

 

What the buck is wrong with these men?!

[dangermom]

Rape isn't that uncommon. In fact, I remember seeing the signs everywhere at UNC-CH when I was in school. Scary signs stating the statistics and citing to call an escort.

 

Here is a link to the stats:

http://www.unc.edu/cwc/safe/index.php?page=myths

 

According to them, 20 to 25% of all college women experience rape or attempted rape. That is not a low number. Her anxiety is rooted in a real threat - one to all women (and men). The fact that she can pass out can understandably be a source of concern.

 

 

That's not quite what it says:

 

1 in 4 women will be raped in their lifetime.

1 in 6 college women will be the victims of rape.

 

When I heard it, it was 1 in 4 will experience some sort of sexual assault in their lifetime, not necessarily rape. I'm not trying to minimize it, but I would like to see where those stats come from--shocking stats like that are awfully prone to exaggeration and distortion (such as the one that floated around for years that 150,000 women die annually from anorexia/bulimia--in fact, about that number suffer from those illnesses, but relatively few die every year).

 

At any rate, rape is indeed a serious problem--but I think anxiety is this girl's real issue.

[TravelingChris]

She is on two different kinds of medication for low blood pressure and it has helped tremendously. She eats lots of salt. The only real issues with this is she is more prone to pass out after the last medication wears off. Her medications last until about 9 or 10pm. I am going to drill her about using escorts, buses, etc. She definitely has anxiety issues but this is not really part of that. I mean, she isn't really obsessing over it but rather wanted to know what she can do with her condition in case it did happen. She is all for self defense and we were going to check on mace laws, etc.

 

No, she doesn't want to have sex now. Not at all= she just really doesn't want to be pregnant if she was assaulted. She asked me if there were alternatives to always being on BCP and being safe.

 

She does have counseling for her anxiety issues and will continue in college. But although I think she may be more worried about it than she should, the rape and assault statistics show that it is not a outrageous worry.

[justasque]

ETA: Posted this before OP's update above.

 

1. Make sure she is familiar with all kinds of campus services at her school, including counseling if her anxiety is getting the best of her. Does she have an anxiety diagnosis? If so, talk to the disability office about what kinds of services she can take advantage of, and how she would access them.

 

2. If she does not have an anxiety diagnosis, seriously consider looking into this. It will help her to access services, and get her on the road to treatment.

 

3. Help her plan what to do if she passes out. For example, does she wear some sort of medical alert bracelet that explains her medical issues? Does she get any warning before passing out? Are there certain situations (tired, hungry, etc.) that can predispose her to passing out (and if so what can she do to nip things in the bud)?

 

4. Research the health services at her school. Take her to the building, introduce her to the staff, find out their hours, what to do after hours, and so on. Find out if there is an EMT/ambulance service, and how to access it. The more comfortable she feels dealing with services at the school, the more confidence she will have about dealing with whatever health situations may arise, even normal ones like getting the flu or a stomach virus or a bad fall or what-have-you.

 

5. Talk about drugs and alcohol. Is she going to a party school, or a more sedate institution? Does the school plan alcohol-free events? What other social outlets might she be interested in? Religious life, various clubs, etc. - help get her started with these by introducing her to the people involved. Talk about how to behave in a party situation where alcohol is served, if she doesn't have much experience with this. Basically, she can say "no thank you" to anything that is offered to her, and it doesn't have to be a big deal. She can choose not to consume food and drink at a party if she does not feel safe. She can do these things and still have a good time, or she can leave if she is not having a good time.

 

6. Explain that the school would rather she use the escort service at night; it is there for them as well as for her. It would be hard for her to use it, because it would involve calling them, having to talk to them during the journey home, etc. This kind of stuff can be difficult for anxious people. Nonetheless, she may find that she needs to be out at night for academic purposes, and she needs to get home safely. Again, introducing her to the folks who run the service, getting all the details about how it works, and so on will make it more likely she will actually get up the nerve to use it.

 

7. Take a serious look at the crime statistics for her particular school, and the neighborhood surrounding it. What exactly is the risk? Are there certain places she should avoid?

 

I suggest all this on the theory that the scenario she is worried about is very nlikely to happen, and that the more information she has on the concrete details the less she will obsess. I have no clue if this is the case or not.

 

Honestly, though, the likelihood of her worries being realized (pass out from low blood pressure, get raped, get pregnant) is very, very small, especially if she avoids alcohol and situations where people are drinking. (No woman can completely prevent rape, of course, but if you and the people around you are sober, and you generally have your wits about you, you're in a much better position to deal with whatever kind of emergency you may face.)

 

I would be seriously talking through whether going away to college is the best step for her right now, because if it isn't, you'll want to decide before you write that big tuition check. I would also be concerned that if she is obsessing over this, now, that there are so many other things that would be new and different and need to be managed, that she might get completely overwhelmed. It might be better to start small, with a 3-4 week residential summer program at a local college, then living at home and taking classes at a local school during the freshman year, and working up to transferring to a school farther away later on.

 

Make sure she knows it's ok to decide to not go to college, if she fears it so much, and if she does that she can come home with no negativity from you if she feels she needs to.

Edited June 24, 2011 by askPauline

[Perry]

What the HE!!??! 25%? That's freaking HUGE!

 

What the buck is wrong with these men?!

This one floors me.

51-60% of college men report they would rape a woman if they were certain that they would get away with it. One out of twelve college men surveyed had committed acts that met the legal definition of rape; 84% of these men said what they did was DEFINITELY not rape --Tavris, C. & Wade, C. (1984) The Longest War: Sex Differences in Perspective, Second Edition San Diego: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich Publishers. --Warshaw, R. (1988) I Never Called it Rape: The Ms. Report New York: Harper and Row Publishers. --Women's Action Coalition (no date given) WAC Stats: The Facts About Women New York: WAC.

[Guest Dulcimeramy]

This one floors me.

 

Sweet Jesus.

 

I don't know when I turned charismatic, exactly, but lately all I do is go around calling on the name of the Lord.

[cathmom]

Really?

 

I'd think most young men would call 911 when stumbling upon a passed out young woman instead of dropping their pants and having wild s3x with an unresponsive woman.

 

Yes, really. I think she has a valid concern and I wish people were being a little less judgmental.

[Parrothead]

That's not quite what it says:

 

1 in 4 women will be raped in their lifetime.

1 in 6 college women will be the victims of rape.

 

When I heard it, it was 1 in 4 will experience some sort of sexual assault in their lifetime, not necessarily rape. I'm not trying to minimize it, but I would like to see where those stats come from--shocking stats like that are awfully prone to exaggeration and distortion (such as the one that floated around for years that 150,000 women die annually from anorexia/bulimia--in fact, about that number suffer from those illnesses, but relatively few die every year).

 

At any rate, rape is indeed a serious problem--but I think anxiety is this girl's real issue.

:iagree:I think if it truly were 1/4 of all college women being raped at college there would be way, way more being done to prevent it.

[Audrey]

She hates to depend on others? I'd say suck it up, Buttercup, and do what you have to do to be safe.

 

 

:iagree: 100%. I used the campus escort for every single night class I had when I was a student AND when I was a prof. She would not be "depending" on them. That is their JOB. They depend on people needing them for their job.

[Skadi]

The "1 in 4" has been debunked several times. They included women who either regretted a sexual experience (not that they said no to their partner) as rape, as well as any woman who thought that being under the influence of alcohol might have made them more likely to have sex -- in fact, only 27% of all the women they called victims of rape described their encounters as such, and about half of their "rape victims" went on to have subsequent sexual encounters with the men who "raped" them. Here's one critique of the study, for starters. The actual rape occurrence is something like 1 in 14, not one in 4. But then, this study was clumsily done to begin with (I guess we can't expect scientific rigor for a survey done for Ms. Magazine) and dates back to good ole' 1985, so really its figures should not be bandied about at all.

[WishboneDawn]

Just a note to the OP. If you and your daughter have questions specific to the morning after pill I would take them to your doctor. If she has issues with BC it's something you should consult a doctor about.

 

Other then that if this scenario is weighing on her mind for some reason it might also help to nail done exactly how she would access that pill while on campus. See what pharmacy is close by and whether they dispense that pill for instance.

[twoforjoy]

:iagree:I think if it truly were 1/4 of all college women being raped at college there would be way, way more being done to prevent it.

 

There is a lot being done to prevent rape on college campuses.

 

However, while rape is a problem and one to be taken seriously, the specific situation the OP's daughter is concerned about--passing out and being raped while unconscious, presumably in a public area--is not a serious problem. AFAIK, stranger rape is not happening at a higher rate on college campuses than anywhere else. The situations to be particularly concerned about are date rape situations, particularly where heavy drinking is involved.

[lailasmum]

Could talking to other teens with the same sort of problems/fears help? There is an organisation called STARS ( Syncope Trust and reflex anoxic seizures) that has a youth message board and an adult message board for people who suffer from one one of the many conditions that cause syncope (my 3 year old has one of them which is how I know about it). Anyway, could joining the youth message board and speaking to other teens in the same situation help her get some perspective?, also STARS have really helpful staff and may be able to offer other advice.

 

Stars USA

Stars UK