I am personally conflicted on the idea of OU offering Plan B, or the morning after pill, in vending machines. I feel that on one hand, it’s a way to empower women on this campus by making the pill readily available to them.
Additionally, if a female student had been sexually assaulted and is afraid or embarrassed to speak to a pharmacist, this allows her to take control of her situation while still having anonymity.
However, there are some serious concerns I have if this were to actually happen on campus. First of all, let’s just sit back and consider what message is being sent by having pills in a vending machine: “Drugs are like candy! Flex Points accepted.”
Also, without a pharmacist there to warn women of the possible side effects of Plan B or the proper way to take it, the pill could be taken incorrectly or be sold to someone who is not of legal age. Finally, Plan B is sold at four locations in Athens.It’s not as if we don’t have options.
But as Dean Lombardi said, “Honestly, it’s not something I’ve thought of, and I haven’t heard requests for it.” So until there is student demand for this service, let us be satisfied with 75-cent condoms in vending machines.
Emily Harper is a junior studying international business and marketing.
