A new vending machine called the Wellness-To-Go Machine at the UC Davis campus has begun dispensing Plan B pills in the vending machine. This new vending machine traded the usual snacks and candies for Plan B (the morning after pill), condoms, tampons, Advil, and pregnancy tests.
Plan B has been available for women without a prescription since 2013, but the Trump administration has threatened Planned Parenthood, so that could change quickly. Many argue that it promotes unsafe sex due to the cheap and available Plan B, but many women have come to the defense stating that it is a great thing for women.
The convenient availability of this contraceptive, condoms, tampons, pads and pregnancy tests could promote safe sex and prevent more unwanted pregnancies for college students than ever before. Plan B being this convenient for college students can prevent unwanted pregnancies, and promote safe sex. Condoms and other contraceptive methods being dispensed on campus will remind students of safe sex, regardless of whether they are using the machine or not.
Cheap and available pregnancy tests will also benefit college students who have recently, unknowingly conceived. Plan B could also help students on campus who were date raped, or sexually assaulted on campus. The pill is being sold for $30, which is the lowest price possible for the pill. The vending machine requires students to swipe their student ID, and use an ID to verify that they are over 17 years of age, confirming the legality and FDA approval of the vending machine.
Personally, I think that this vending machine is a huge step for women on college campuses, and these advantageous methods of purchasing contraceptives can benefit society on college campuses greatly. Anxiety revolving around purchasing the morning-after pill at a pharmacist or at a local campus wellness center can be difficult for young people on campus, so this vending machine is much more convenient for these students.
