Popularity of morning-after pill vending machines surge on college campuses in the post-Roe era

In an effort to ensure cheap, discreet, and easily accessible emergency contraceptives, universities across the United States have been installing vending machines that provide items such as ibuprofen, pregnancy tests, and the morning-after pill. This initiative has gained popularity after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn constitutional protections for abortion. With some states enacting abortion bans and others expanding access to birth control, these machines aim to address the urgent need for pregnancy prevention.

Currently, there are 39 universities in 17 states that have already installed emergency contraceptive vending machines, with at least 20 more considering doing so. These machines are particularly important in states where abortion is largely banned, such as the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma. While the purchase of Plan B and generic forms is legal over-the-counter in all 50 states, the recent ruling is creating a greater sense of urgency for pregnancy prevention.

The state of Washington has taken a significant step to expand access to emergency contraceptives by allocating $200,000 in funding. This grant allows colleges to apply for $10,000 to increase accessibility through automatic dispensers at public universities and technical colleges. The University of Washington’s vending machine, installed after a student-led campaign, offers boxes of generic Plan B for $12.60, significantly cheaper than the name-brand versions sold in stores.

Other states are also considering legislation to require emergency contraceptive vending machines on college campuses. Illinois and New York are currently developing such laws, while Connecticut has already approved a measure allowing the sale of Plan B and other over-the-counter medications from vending machines on campuses and other locations. However, these machines have certain restrictions, such as not being placed in K-12 schools or being exposed to the elements. They must also have temperature and humidity controls and plans for power outages and expired items.

The implementation of these machines is aimed at providing better and easier access to emergency contraceptives, which are often stigmatized and difficult to obtain from traditional pharmacies. The convenience and anonymity of vending machines can be particularly crucial in cases of sexual assault, where access to emergency contraceptives is time-sensitive and immediate assistance may be needed outside of pharmacy hours.