March commemorates Women’s History Month, and although it just came to a close, the University of New Mexico already plans to offer a unique way to celebrate next year by offering free hysterectomies in the Student Union Building.
It is a time to honor and acknowledge women’s history, including reproductive health, according to Wilson Park, the University’s Head of Completely Safe Activities.
UNM’s administration has taken steps to ensure that these choices are accessible to its students. While simply offering abortions was considered, it was not chosen because it would only benefit a handful of students. Thus, the administration opted to offer all students with uteruses, regardless of gender identity, a chance to exercise their freedom of choice, according to Park.
Any UNM student with a valid LoboCard and a uterus is invited to receive a hysterectomy, performed by undergrad pre-med students and sponsored by Claire’s, the press release announcing the event said.
Park said this is a win for both sides of the abortion debate, as it prevents future abortions while providing people with an opportunity to choose what’s best for them when it comes to their reproductive organs.
The event also doubles as a fundraiser. All harvested organs will be collected and sold at an anonymous and completely legal emporium. All proceeds will be donated to the Women’s Resource Center on campus, Park said.
Chad Jones, a member of anti-abortion organization Men Against Eating Babies, said he supports the event.
“When MAEB said we wanted to stop abortion, we had a lot of solutions in mind. Performing back-alley medical procedures was not on the list of solutions, but I guess we’re not mad about it,” said Jones. “It’s a step in the right direction.”
It is also a unique learning opportunity for pre-med students. This will be the students’ first time with hands-on experience in their future field of study. The department of biology also invites any student to participate in performing the hysterectomies to test out their interest in the field.
Rebecca Myer, a first-year biology major, said she looks forward to her first medical procedure.
“I’m not sure if I want to go to medical school and this is a perfect opportunity for me to try out an aspect of the field before making any major career commitments,” Myer said. “I wouldn’t want to make any rash decisions.”
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The procedures will take place in front of Chick-Fil-A at the SUB at noon every Wednesday for the duration of March, 2024. All are welcome to join.
“Whether you hate abortion, love bodily autonomy, or just want to harvest some organs, the event has a place for everybody,” Parks said.
Lauren Lifke is a freelance reporter at the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com
Lauren Lifke is the managing editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at managingeditor@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @lauren_lifke
