Ohio University offers condoms in vending machines, but Shippensburg University is taking a slightly different approach to contraception.
Shippensburg University, a public college in Shippensburg, Pa., began offering $20 Plan B “morning after” pills in its Etter Health Center vending machine in February.
The machine also sells cough drops, Mucinex and pregnancy tests.
However, there are no plans yet to place emergency contraceptive pills beside the condoms in OU vending machines any time soon.
“It’s not been brought to me before by any students or staff or health professionals,” Dean of Students Ryan Lombardi said. “If it was, we would get some student feedback. Honestly, it’s not something I’ve thought of, and I haven’t heard requests for it.”
When Shippensburg conducted a survey a few years ago, 85 percent of students surveyed supported Plan B availability, according to a news release.
“I think it’s good to have the option of taking the pill,” said Amanda Oster, a freshman studying biology at Shippensburg. “College kids don’t want a baby now. We’re focusing on studying and getting degrees. It’s nice to know that if the mistake of getting pregnant does happen, that there is another option.”
Lacy Morgan, a freshman studying chemistry and pre-med, said she didn’t think OU should offer Plan B pills in vending machines.
“I think that’s weird,” Morgan said. “I just don’t think it’s a good idea because they could give the pill to someone who is underage.”
The Plan B pill should not be used as regular birth control or on a regular basis and will not protect against sexually transmitted infections, said Terry Koons, associate director of health promotion for OU’s Campus Involvement Center.
In Athens, doses of the Plan B pill are available at Campus Care, CVS Pharmacy, Walmart and Planned Parenthood, with prices ranging from $20 to $55. A pharmacy worker at CVS declined to give the store’s price for Plan B pills.
"I think it’s very important to offer this pill,” said Karen Robinson, nursing supervisor at Campus Care. “I feel like, if it’s used correctly, then it’s very important for all of us to be able to ask for this and be able to receive it.”
Robinson added that Plan B pills can cause nausea, bleeding and cramping. They are only 75 percent effective if taken while already pregnant, she said.
“With a contraceptive, I am sure a person would want privacy and confidentiality if they wish to purchase this pill,” said James Barciz, a freshman studying chemistry at Shippensburg. “It can’t be more confidential than a vending machine.”
sj950610@ohiou.edu
