George Washington University (GWU) students have been fighting for some time to ensure that both students and staff on campus have easier access to emergency contraception. Previously, morning-after pills were only available at the university’s pharmacy. However, students pointed out that this was not a well-thought-out idea. Pharmacies are often closed when people are most likely to need emergency contraception, such as in the evenings or on weekends. In addition, contraceptives in such places are often expensive and far beyond the students’ budget. It happens that one morning-after pill in a pharmacy in the United States costs up to $50.
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Morning-after pills available from vending machines. Students can get them anytime
The issue of facilitating emergency access gained ground after the judgment in the case. The US Supreme Court has ruled that abortion is not a right guaranteed by the US Constitution. In response, many non-profit organizations and student associations have started to fight for increased access to contraceptives for students. The first vending machine of this type “after” pills was installed in 2012 at a university in Pennsylvania. Today, they can be found on more than 32 campuses in . Some of them offer students tablets at a much lower price than those available in pharmacies.
Access to the pill vending machine at George Washington University is unrestricted. The device was installed in a discreet place, i.e. in the basement of one of the university buildings. According to him, the cost of one pill is $30. Tax must be added to the price. Pills are kept at the correct temperature, sold with appropriate warnings, and not dispensed past their expiration date. Emergency contraception is not the only product that can be bought in a vending machine. Tampons and painkillers are also available.
Vending machine pills? Not everyone liked this idea
Not all university students liked the idea of selling emergency contraception in a vending machine.
[Sprzedaż pigułek – przyp. red.] with the same willingness as candy and chips, she is reckless and disappointing
— Shaohannah Faith, coordinator of the college chapter of Students for Life of America, in an email sent to The Washington Post. It is a pro-life organization that brings together high school and university students from all over the country. However, Christian Zidouemba, chairman of the academic corporation at GWU, notes that he receives many voices of people who would like more devices of this type. “In general, the reaction is that we need more vending machines on our campus,” he told The Washington Post.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
