University Selling Morning After Pill In Vending Machine

By jnelsoninjax
in Real World News

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Grand Master

jnelsoninjax

Posted
Posted

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. -- Vending machines at one Pennsylvania University doesn't just dispense soda and snacks -- it sells the morning-after pill.

At Shippensburg University, getting access to Plan B, the emergency contraception pill is as easy as getting a soda. Students can now buy the pill at a vending machine on campus.

"We had some conversations with them and did a survey of the student body and we got an 85 percent response rate that the students supported Plan B in the House Center," said Dr. Roger Serr, Vice president of Student Affairs at Shippensburg.

The university does not profit from the sales. It pays $25 for one dose and that's exactly what the student has to pay.

Dr. Serr says that somewhere between 350 and 400 doses are sold each year to the female population. The pill can be legally sold over-the-counter to anyone 17 or older.

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  • Calum, FMH and Glassed Silver
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Grand Master

FMH

Posted
Posted

I don't see the problem ... they have it on the shelf at pharmacies in my city, not much different.

I read that in India they started selling condoms in vending machine, for people who were shy to go to pharmacy, themselves. And also for people, who were embarrassed of telling the pharmacist the required size. And the doctors their believed that some people may have actually told a larger size! :rofl:

So, similar factors may be involved here. Some could be just shy about it all.

Grand Master

_neutrino Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
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I do not have a problem with its sale, I have a problem with the fact that they make it more readily available. Instead of teaching responsibility they provide an easy exit.

Grand Master

+Nik Louch Subscriber²

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1) It's NOT an easy option. It's still quite unpleasant for the next day.

2) Not making them available would not stop their need. People would not suddenly become responsible.

  • Calum, +Majesticmerc and Japlabot
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Grand Master

articuno1au

Posted
Posted

I do not have a problem with its sale, I have a problem with the fact that they make it more readily available. Instead of teaching responsibility they provide an easy exit.

I was going to say you've clearly never experience a forced period, but Nik beat me to it..

1) It's NOT an easy option. It's still quite unpleasant for the next day.

2) Not making them available would not stop their need. People would not suddenly become responsible.

This, but it is worth mentioning (as previous) that overuse is bad.

One would hope they did some research about the pill before using it :\

Grand Master

whitebread

Posted
Posted

I think this is a great idea. On the one hand, it would be better to promote the use of condoms. But on the other, I'd much rather have people have easy access to Plan B (and not have to worry about being embarrassed about buying it) than have to eventually have an abortion (or drop out of school to support a baby).

Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like they are doing anything to address the spread of STDs; it is true that the article doesn't mention whether the vending machines also sell condoms, but I really hope they do.

Grand Master

Glassed Silver

Posted
Posted

I read that in India they started selling condoms in vending machine, for people who were shy to go to pharmacy, themselves. And also for people, who were embarrassed of telling the pharmacist the required size. And the doctors their believed that some people may have actually told a larger size! :rofl:

So, similar factors may be involved here. Some could be just shy about it all.

We've had this around here in Germany for all my life at least and I can tell you condoms in vending machines is a BAAAAAD idea...

The rubbers are stored in a big metal case box that's usually found either outside somewhere or in restrooms of restaurants, hotels, etc...

Now, at least with the first case I'd never use them to rely on them. (Generally not the biggest fan of condoms, but they have their uses)

They are stored in which ever effed up weather there is... You know, they have recommended storage temperatures for a reason...

I'm surprised who came up with such a crap idea... Such vending machines must be in a building at all times.

Glassed Silver:mac

Grand Master

DocM

Posted
Posted

Selling it in a vending machine is irresponsible. Plan B isn't akin to using Pepto Bismol for diarrhea.

Agreed. Besides the problem of storing a drug in a container which probably has poor temperature control, which could cause it to deteriorate and not have the desired effect, there is the side effects issue -

Most common side effects: breast tenderness; changes in menstrual flow; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; nausea; stomach pain; tiredness; vomiting.

Less common side effects, but still real: severe allergic reaction; lower stomach pain; missed menstrual period; spotting instead of a usual period.

Severe allergic reactions are not to be trifled with, and emergency respondrrs & doctors would have no way of knowing what's going on because of no pharmacy records.

Grand Master

Japlabot

Posted
Posted

Agreed. Besides the problem of storing a drug in a container which probably has poor temperature control, which could cause it to deteriorate and not have the desired effect, there is the side effects issue -

Most common side effects: breast tenderness; changes in menstrual flow; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; nausea; stomach pain; tiredness; vomiting.

Less common side effects, but still real: severe allergic reaction; lower stomach pain; missed menstrual period; spotting instead of a usual period.

Severe allergic reactions are not to be trifled with, and emergency respondrrs & doctors would have no way of knowing what's going on because of no pharmacy records.

Emergency Responders and Doctors would not have access to pharmacy records either, Doc.

Grand Master

Glassed Silver

Posted
Posted

Agreed. Besides the problem of storing a drug in a container which probably has poor temperature control, which could cause it to deteriorate and not have the desired effect, there is the side effects issue -

Most common side effects: breast tenderness; changes in menstrual flow; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; nausea; stomach pain; tiredness; vomiting.

Less common side effects, but still real: severe allergic reaction; lower stomach pain; missed menstrual period; spotting instead of a usual period.

Severe allergic reactions are not to be trifled with, and emergency respondrrs & doctors would have no way of knowing what's going on because of no pharmacy records.

Yes, but there would be the awareness that that place offers pills with no questions asked.

Call up an emergency contact or something and you might possibly find out for sure.

Those pills won't just fly out the vending machine with no packaging either.

Give that vending machine a sign that warns about the use and possible side effects and to keep a phone ready at least on first use just in case and to keep the receipt with you. (Just put it into your wallet/pocket until you clear it out next time... (Y))

This can be done in a quite good way, I imagine making this vending machine so accessible might urge a few people to not just "risk it" on the day after.

Glassed Silver:mac

Grand Master

DocM

Posted
Posted

Emergency Responders and Doctors would not have access to pharmacy records either, Doc.

Depends. When I went to the ER for an injury 2 years ago the attending had my full med list, that I am diabetic etc.. More and more those records are linked by computer between main providing clinic, ER, insurance co. and pharmacy.

Grand Master

spenser.d

Posted
Posted

Depends. When I went to the ER for an injury 2 years ago the attending had my full med list, that I am diabetic etc.. More and more those records are linked by computer between main providing clinic, ER, insurance co. and pharmacy.

He was saying Emergency Responders - those that arrive in an ambulance. Its unlikely they have your medical history, even if the healthcare org has an integrated EMR.

I doubt the University just put these out on a whim. I'm sure they're aware of risks/benefits etc more than any of you or myself are. It seems like a good enough idea to me. It's not like women are going to go out and say "lets have unprotected sex just because I can get the pill from a vending machine".

Mentor

ArialBlue

Posted
Posted

You can get condoms and snacks at the same establishment on campus in any university these days.

Ditto on this, sees like Shippensburg University is admitting that their students are too stupid to put on a rubber.

Grand Master

Glassed Silver

Posted
Posted
You can get condoms and snacks at the same establishment on campus in any university these days. Ditto on this, sees like Shippensburg University is admitting that their students are too stupid to put on a rubber.

You're right... condoms never tear, drunk sex never resulted in forgetting about protection (even with caring people) and of cause, only stupid people will possibly have to deal with morning after pills...

Waaaait....

Glassed Silver:mac

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