The Surge of Plan B Abortion Pill Vending Machines on College Campuses Following Supreme Court's Ruling on Roe v. Wade

Since last November, a library at the University of Washington has featured a different kind of vending machine, one that has gained popularity on college campuses across the country following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to end constitutional protections for abortion. These vending machines are stocked with emergency contraceptives such as Plan B, along with pregnancy tests and ibuprofen. As some states enact abortion bans and others expand access to birth control, the presence of these machines becomes crucial in ensuring affordable and discreet access to emergency contraceptives.

Currently, there are 39 universities in 17 states with emergency contraceptive vending machines, and at least 20 more institutions are considering implementing them. Some of these universities are situated in states where abortion is largely banned, making the accessibility of emergency contraceptives even more vital. Over-the-counter purchase of Plan B and generic forms is legal in all 50 states, but the vending machines offer these contraceptives at a fraction of the price compared to retail stores.

Apart from promoting convenience and affordability, these vending machines also eliminate barriers and stigmas associated with

Promoting Reproductive Autonomy: Efforts to Expand Access to Emergency Contraceptives through Vending Machines

The Rise of Plan B Abortion Pill Vending Machines on College Campuses The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to end constitutional protections for abortion has led to the rise of a unique phenomenon on college campuses – emergency contraceptive vending machines. Since November of last year, these vending machines, stocked with emergency contraceptives like Plan B, pregnancy tests, and ibuprofen, have gained popularity at universities across the country. With some states enacting abortion bans and others expanding access to birth control, these vending machines play a crucial role in ensuring affordable and discreet access to emergency contraceptives. Currently, there are 39 universities in 17 states that have implemented emergency contraceptive vending machines, with at least 20 more institutions considering their installation. The presence of these machines becomes especially critical in states where abortion is largely banned, ensuring that students have access to emergency contraceptives regardless of restrictive laws. While the over-the-counter purchase of Plan B and generic forms is legal in all 50 states, the vending machines offer these contraceptives at a fraction of the price compared to retail stores, making them more affordable and accessible to students. Beyond convenience and affordability, these vending machines also help eliminate barriers and stigmas associated with obtaining emergency contraceptives. The availability of these machines on college campuses allows students to access emergency contraception discreetly, without the need to visit a pharmacy or consult a healthcare provider. This eliminates potential judgment or discomfort that individuals may face when purchasing these products in person. The push for emergency contraceptive vending machines on college campuses aligns with the urgent need to ensure pregnancy prevention in light of the 2022 ruling overturning Roe v. Wade. The ruling, which ended constitutional protections for abortion, has raised concerns about jeopardizing people's lives and the need for accessible contraceptives. By placing these vending machines in colleges, where the demographic most at risk of unintended pregnancies exists, the aim is to safeguard individuals' reproductive choices and protect their well-being. Washington state stands out as the first to allocate funds for the expansion of emergency contraceptives at public universities and technical colleges through these vending machines. Through an application process, colleges can obtain grants to support the installation of these machines, ensuring broader access for students. The University of Washington, for instance, installed a vending machine following a student-led campaign, offering generic Plan B for $12.60, significantly more affordable than the name-brand versions sold in retail stores. Other states are also recognizing the importance of these vending machines in providing access to emergency contraceptives. Illinois and New York are developing

Summing it up

In conclusion, the rise of Plan B abortion pill vending machines on college campuses is a direct response to the Supreme Court's decision to end constitutional protections for abortion. These machines have gained popularity as states enact abortion bans and others expand access to birth control. With 39 universities in 17 states already implementing these vending machines, and more institutions considering their installation, the accessibility of emergency contraceptives is becoming more vital, especially in states where abortion is largely banned. The convenience and affordability of these vending machines play a crucial role in eliminating barriers and stigmas associated with obtaining emergency contraceptives. Students can discreetly access these contraceptives without visiting a pharmacy or seeking assistance from a healthcare provider. The aim is to provide individuals with reproductive choices and protect their well-being in the face of the Supreme Court's defeat of Roe v. Wade. Washington state leads the way by allocating funds for the expansion of emergency contraceptives at public universities through grants for these vending machines. The success of initiatives like the University of Washington's student-led campaign highlights the importance of offering affordable options to students. As other states, such as Illinois and New York, recognize the significance of these vending machines in providing access to emergency contraceptives, the movement continues to gain momentum. In a time of increasing restrictions on reproductive rights, the presence of Plan B abortion pill vending machines on college campuses represents a step towards ensuring that individuals
Originally Published at: https://fortune.com/well/2023/07/01/plan-b-abortion-pill-college-campius-vending-machines-roe-wade/ Business Topic: Health