Morning-After Pill Vending Machines Increasingly Popular on College Campuses Post-Roe

Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned constitutional protections for abortion last year, college campuses across the country have witnessed a surge in popularity of a unique vending machine. Installed at the University of Washington’s library since November, these machines have become a discreet and widely accessible solution for emergency contraceptives, including ibuprofen, pregnancy tests, and the morning-after pill.

With varying abortion laws across states, some imposing bans while others expand access to birth control, these vending machines are part of an initiative to ensure affordable and readily available emergency contraceptives on college campuses.

In total, 39 universities across 17 states have implemented emergency contraceptive vending machines, and approximately 20 more institutions are considering their installation, as reported by the American Society for Emergency Contraception (ASEC). Notably, some universities, such as the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma, are located in states with severe restrictions on abortion.

It is important to note that Plan B and generic alternatives can be purchased over-the-counter in all 50 states.

The landmark 2022 ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade has amplified the urgency of pregnancy prevention, as it puts lives at risk. Kelly Cleland, the ASEC’s executive director, emphasized that the stakes are now higher than ever for individuals residing in states where abortion is not accessible.

Washington has taken a progressive step in allocating $200,000 to fund $10,000 grants for colleges through an application process. This funding aims to expand access to emergency contraceptives at public universities and technical colleges through the installation of automatic dispensers.

The University of Washington’s vending machine was introduced after a student-led campaign. It offers generic Plan B boxes for $12.60, a significant reduction from the prices of name-brand versions sold in stores. Notably, the prices can be even lower, as low as $7 per box, depending on the machine. This affordability is due to the machines selling the medication slightly above wholesale cost, compared to the higher retail prices found in pharmacies, which can reach up to $50.

In Illinois and New York, lawmakers are currently developing legislation that would require the presence of at least one emergency contraceptive vending machine on state college campuses.

Although Yale faced obstacles in 2019 when attempting to install an emergency contraceptive vending machine due to state law violations in Connecticut, the state has recently approved a measure permitting the sale of Plan B and other over-the-counter medications through vending machines on campuses and other approved locations. The vending machines must meet certain requirements, such as temperature and humidity controls, power outage plans, and removal of expired items. They cannot be placed in K-12 schools or exposed to the elements.

Supporters of these initiatives emphasize that vending machines provide better and easier access to emergency contraceptives. In contrast to purchasing from stores or pharmacies, which often require identification and may create an intimidating experience, vending machines eliminate such barriers. Zoe Amaris, a University of Washington pharmacy student and board member of UW Pharmacists for Reproductive Education and Sexual Health, highlighted the stigma associated with obtaining these medications and praised the convenience of vending machines, allowing individuals to bypass pharmacies and healthcare providers.

Given that the effectiveness of Plan B is time-sensitive, the availability of vending machines could prove vital, particularly for rape victims during hours when pharmacies are closed. Moreover, the anonymity offered by the machines can be crucial for survivors of assault.

Kelly Cleland emphasized the significance of vending machines in eliminating barriers and granting students the autonomy to access emergency contraceptives when needed, on their own terms.

Reporting by Haigh in Hartford, Connecticut.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about emergency contraceptives

More about emergency contraceptives

• American Society for Emergency Contraception
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Over-the-Counter (OTC) Emergency Contraception
• University of Washington: Emergency Contraception Vending Machine
• Roe v. Wade (Oyez)
• AccessMatters: Emergency Contraception