Coming soon to a vending machine near you?

That’s right, pop in your cash and Plan B drops into your hand. Today’s question is: Do you think vending-machine availability is a good or bad idea?

HERE’S THE STORY: As we’ve discussed all week, emergency contraceptives soon will be sold over the counter to anyone. Already, one institution of higher learning provides a vending machine for students who want to purchase the morning-after pill. Students have to be 17 or older to buy—given current law—but presumably after the new ruling goes into effect, anyone can legally access the vending machine.

Shippensburg University is the institution. Founded in 1871, it is now part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. According to the university’s web site, enrollment includes 6,712 undergraduates and 1,102 graduate students. “Ship” (as the school is known) gained national attention last year when the media learned that the university provided emergency contraceptives through a vending machine. According to these sources, the vending machine is located in the university health center, and is accessible only to those 17 years of age or older during the center’s regular hours. Ship’s vending machine also dispenses condoms, pregnancy tests, and cold remedies.

About 350–400 students buy emergency contraceptives from the vending machine each year. The contraceptive is sold at cost. Students have to pay the entire cost, which is not subsidized in any way.

What’s your opinion of Ship’s vending machine for contraceptives?

Would you like to see more colleges and universities following Ship’s example?

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