Feminist organization advocates for morning-after pill vending machine on UF campus

Correction: A previous version of this article said the 'student senate is expected to vote to use funds for contraceptives in vending machines at a reduced rate at its Tuesday meeting at 7 p.m.'

A local feminist organization is pushing for a health and wellness vending machine that would stock the morning after pill on the University of Florida's campus.

The move is a response to growing concern over lawmakers advocating to limit contraceptives following the Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade, a historic ruling that had long protected women's right to abortion.

After an initial approval from UF's judiciary committee on Sunday, the student senate is expected to vote on a resolution to work with UF administration to provide the service for contraceptives in vending machines at a reduced rate at its Tuesday meeting at 7 p.m.

"We were left floundering after Roe v. Wade was overturned and it lights a fire in my belly that we can win and this is something that can make a difference," said Alia Delong, a member of NWL.

The National Women's Liberation Gainesville Chapter, a feminist organization that fights for women's rights, first started the campaign back to have an affordable contraceptive vending machine put on UF's campus in 2018 in hopes of giving students better access to morning-after pills.

UF and Santa Fe students with a valid ID can already purchase a pill for $10 through the UF student pharmacy. The hours, however, are limited from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday and 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

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The pill has an 87% success rate of preventing pregnancy if taken within 72 hours but is more effective when taken within 24 hours. For those reasons, NWL states that students need 24-hour access and need access to the pill after hours.

"Buying MAP (Morning After Pill) off campus at the pharmacy will cost students $40-50 and requires asking for access to the product because it is stored in locked boxes or behind the counter," a news release from NWL said. "UF already has vending machines not only carrying drinks and snacks but also PPE including masks and hand sanitizer."

The organization states that UF students should have the right to decide "if and when they want to get pregnant" and should have access to tools that allow contraception.

Plan B pills in vending machine a 'lifesaver right there,' one student says

Tiara Holmes, an 18-year-old sophomore, said the pills are essential for those who experience sexual assault, especially at a time when states are banning abortions.

"I think if (people) were able to have access to things like Plan B in a vending machine, that will be a lifesaver right there," she said.

Marina Arcia, also an 18-year-old sophomore at UF,  agreed, saying that Plan B is separate from abortion and should not be banned.

“I don't really think we should make choices for people who aren't ourselves,” said Arcia, who added that the reduced cost would benefit those with limited funds.

But not everyone sees it that way.

Katherine Gratto, executive director for Sira, said there is a lack of control over who uses the pill and if the medication is being used properly.

Sira, located at 912 NW 13th St. in Gainesville, is a pro-life wellness clinic that supports and encourages expecting parents to not terminate a pregnancy.

"It's supposed to be used when a woman is ovulating and to prevent pregnancy, but what if you're not ovulating, then there's no need to take it," she said. "It's just I don't know that there's research out there that says how that can affect a woman's cycle or fertility," Gratto said.

But women can become pregnant before or after ovulation, as well.

The morning-after pill, which does not terminate a pregnancy, simply delays ovulation and prevents the egg from leaving the ovary so there is no chance for the sperm and egg to meet, which means no fertilization.

Other student governments have used funds to create the vending of emergency contraception at institutions, according to a NWL press release, include Stanford University, the University of California at Davis and Santa Barbara, Pomona College, University of Kansas, University of Puget Sound, Boston University and Dartmouth University.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Birth control vending machine sought for UF campus