Ohio State University event has students create 'Valentine's for abortion providers' during 'Sex Week'

Several departments at Ohio State University are sponsoring a student-led "Sex Week" through the third week of February where student participants are asked to "help thank abortion provider" for Valentine's Day to show "appreciation."

On-campus organization Student Advocates for Sexual Health Awareness is hosting the week-long event but told Fox News Digital that multiple departments including the university's Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies and the College of Social Work are providing financial support for "Sex Week."

One particular Valentine's Day-themed activity hosted during "Sex Week" at the Ohio Union is "Valentine's for Abortion Providers" where students participating in the event are instructed to "help thank abortion providers in Ohio and Texas for the valuable work they do for reproductive rights!" the event's description reads.

The "Sex Week" website states that the organization receives funding through the Council on Student Affairs, whose funds are sourced from the student activity fee.

Student Advocates for Sexual Health Awareness president Sky Hart said to Fox News Digital that the student-run organization is hosting the abortion appreciation event because it thinks abortion providers "deserve appreciation."

"We feel that it is important to appreciate the family planning providers that are able to provide essential healthcare for our communities," Hart said, insisting that the student group "emphasizes the constitutional right to a safe abortion."

Noting that, however, "many do not share that belief," Hart stated that numerous abortion providers and their offices "are often ridiculed for providing legal, affordable, safe healthcare." Hart declared, "We feel they deserve appreciation, and should be reminded of the fact they are assisting our communities greatly."

The organizer further explained that attendees of the pro-abortion event will be creating appreciative cards that will then be mailed to abortion providers.

Students for Life president Kristan Hawkins said in a statement to Fox News Digital that the university is doing "a disservice to students" by backing the event.

"It's pathetic that schools are ignoring their mandate to educate students and instead act as though their real purpose is facilitating the parties. This is a great disservice to students. And a huge waste of money for parents," Hawkins said to Fox News Digital.

"Almost always ignored by these sponsors is the fact that you can’t protect emotionally vulnerable students from a broken heart when they follow the false pitch that all consequences — babies included — can be ignored."

A spokesperson for Ohio State University told Fox News Digital via press statement that "Ohio State has a deep and abiding commitment to free speech."

Among other events during "Sex Week" besides the Valentine's Day activity scheduled for Feb. 16 and Feb. 18, "a Sex toys 101" titled "Binders, Packers, and Toys? Oh My!" will be held with "emphasis on trans affirming products!"

Students will "[e]xplore the dangerous, yet fun side of sex" in a "beginner's workshop" called "Great Minds Kink Alike with Lions Den" that will introduce participants to "all things bondage, dominance, submission, sadism, masochism, fetish, and more" while attendees "can get hands-on with a variety of toys and gear."