Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania is now selling the Plan B pill in a vending machine at the health center on campus. These vending machines were placed on campus after results from a survey showed that 85% of students were in favor of the idea. Plan B is an emergency contraception that can be taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex to avoid pregnancy. This is not an abortion pill because the egg is not yet fertilized, it just prevents this step from happening. The Vice President of Student Affairs said they placed the vending machine in the health center for privacy of the student, they can get it on their own without having to talk to a doctor or pharmacist first. Doctors have said that the pill is very safe and effective so they do not see it as anymore of a problem of someone taking ibuprofen.
I think students being able to get access to the Plan B pill by themselves is a good idea. Being able to save the embarrassing conversation with a doctor or pharmacist in order to get the pill may make girls feel more comfortable about it. If the mistake has already been made, I think it is great that they still have a chance to take responsibility and prevent an unplanned pregnancy. An unplanned pregnancy would cause a complete change of life plans for a college student. If they do not have help, they may not be able to graduate, preventing them from obtaining a good job with a good salary. As poverty is a huge social problem in the world today, I think a University giving easy access to a pill that will prevent unplanned pregnancies may help reduce the number of teenage mothers struggling, trying to live off of a low income.
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