28 replies to this topic

[jnelsoninjax]

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.
Source

[FMH]

Great initiative.

[+Lexcyn]

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

[nik louch]

Not seeing a problem here.

[Daedroth]

Problem? What problem?

[FMH]

Lexcyn, on 07 February 2012 - 13:36, said:

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!

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

[+littleneutrino]

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.

[FMH]

littleneutrino, on 07 February 2012 - 13:52, said:

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.

They will learn responsibility immediately, if they banned this drug.

[monkey13]

Whilst I am all for these for a one off (lets say "bursting") accident they really should promote condoms as much as possible. This pill isn't going to help with an STD.

[freak180]

haha my brother goes there but sounds good to me!

[nik louch]

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.

[Hum]

I live near Ship -- I bought 10 -- and a Coke.

[Fus10n]

I do not see a problem.

[articuno1au]

littleneutrino, on 07 February 2012 - 13:52, said:

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..

nik louch, on 07 February 2012 - 14:12, said:

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 :\

[+whitebread]

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.