SEATTLE (NEWSnet/AP) — Vending machines featuring items such as Plan B and pregnancy tests are now available at 39 campuses, with about 20 more considering that option, according to the American Society for Emergency Contraception.

The machines are part of a push on college campuses to ensure emergency contraceptives are cheap, discreet and widely available. Over-the-counter purchase of Plan B and generic forms is legal in all 50 states; even in states where abortion is largely restricted.

Although the morning-after pill has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter sale, many stores and pharmacies keep it behind the counter or locked up, or require identification for purchase.

Plan B is more effective the sooner it is taken.

The 2022 ruling overturning Roe v. Wade “is putting people’s lives at stake, so it makes pregnancy prevention all the more urgent,” said Kelly Cleland, the ASEC's executive director. 

Washington this year became first U.S. state to set aside grant money specifically to expand access to emergency contraceptives at public universities and technical colleges through the automatic dispensers. A machine at University of Washington was installed after a student-led campaign, and more than 640 Plan B packages have been sold.

In Illinois and New York, lawmakers are developing legislation that would require at least one vending machine selling emergency contraceptives on state college campuses.

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