BUFFALO, NY – Student advocates who work with the NY Birth Control Access Project unveiled an emergency contraception vending machine at the University at Buffalo. This machine provides a brand new access point for birth control on campus.
The placement of the three emergency contraception vending machines across New York State – at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Upstate Medical and University at Buffalo – are the result of organizing and advocacy led by student advocates with the NY Birth Control Access Project. The advocates have been working with University at Buffalo administrators to advance the initiative and the vending machines will make emergency contraception more readily available at low-cost. Across the state, private universities already provide emergency contraception in vending machines, as well as nearly 50 college and university campuses across the country. NYBCAPs vision is for all students at SUNY and CUNY colleges to have more equitable reproductive health resources.
Accessibility issues include the high cost of emergency contraception at pharmacies, with the average price being around $30-$60 dollars. Additionally, people seeking emergency contraception in clinics or pharmacies must interact with staff in order to obtain emergency contraception – which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to note that many SUNY and CUNY campuses do not have an on campus health center and for those that do, the health center may not be open when a student needs access. Because emergency contraception is most effective within 72 hours of use, it’s important that access is convenient, affordable and discrete. With University at Buffalo being one of the most economical diversity colleges in the nation, equity for affordability will make an immense impact on their student demographic.
1.2 million women in New York live in a contraceptive desert and lack access to birth control. Placing emergency contraception in vending machines on college campuses is a simple way to make it easier for students to get birth control.
“The installation of the first emergency contraceptive vending machine at University at Buffalo is an example of our continuous efforts to provide New Yorkers with the necessary resources to have agency over their bodily autonomy,” said Rochelle Rodney, Co-Executive Director at the NY Birth Control Access Project. “Putting emergency contraception in vending machines puts birth control within reach for so many students. We are hopeful that colleges across New York will recognize the potential to positively impact their student’s lives through this cost-effective yet innovative measure.”
“I have been a part of NYBCAP for three years,” said Jessica Mencia, student at University at Buffalo. “It is because of the tangible steps that we are taking towards reproductive justice that I continue to advocate with them. Whether it’s emergency contraception in vending machines or the Birth Control Access Act that just passed, they give me hope for a brighter future with young people at the forefront of important decisions. This vending machine is a step to ensure this, and to ensure that people have access to the healthcare they need.”
About New York Birth Control Access Project:
The New York Birth Control Access Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to identifying gaps in contraceptive access and advancing efforts to improve outcomes for patients in New York State. NYBCAP equips young activist
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