Skip to Content

Northeastern students petition for Plan B pill vending machine

By LOUISA MOLLER

Click here for updates on this story

    BOSTON, Massachusetts (WBZ) — A group of Northeastern University students are petitioning for a vending machine which dispenses emergency contraception or Plan B pills to students.

Called Northeastern University Sexual Health Advocacy, Resources, and Education or NU SHARE, the group says, currently, students cannot currently get Plan B without making an appointment at the health center or heading off campus.

“By not offering emergency contraception to students or making it easily accessible it’s still saying that this is something that is stigmatized, and that sex is stigmatized,” said SHARE member Ren Birnholz.

A university spokesperson told WBZ that supply chain issues are delaying the installation emergency contraception vending machines on campus by the fall semester but that a current vending machine will be used to dispense the Plan B in the interim.

Last week, Massachusetts lawmakers passed a new abortions right bill increasing access to abortion and allowing for emergency contraception to be made available in vending machines. Some colleges took the step before the law was passed.

In March, Boston University installed a Plan B vending machine in the school’s student union.

Claire Teylouni, the Director of Government Affairs for Reproductive Equity Now, says the machines increase access and decrease cost.

“When vending machines are able to sell emergency contraception at cost for the generic medication at 7 or 8 dollars compared to say the $50 you might spend on Plan B at CVS or Walgreens that’s breaking down a really huge barrier,” Teylouni said.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Article Topic Follows: CNN - Regional

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

CNN Newsource

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KIFI Local News 8 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content