UConn Installs Emergency Contraception Vending Machines

The University of Connecticut (UConn) has installed vending machines for the emergency contraceptive Plan B on campus to enhance student access to contraception. This initiative follows the passage of a 2023 Connecticut law that allows pharmacists to prescribe hormonal birth control without a doctor's visit and permits the sale of over-the-counter medications like Plan B in vending machines. UConn's School of Pharmacy has also launched a training program to prepare pharmacists for this new responsibility. Governor Ned Lamont emphasized that expanding access to contraceptives addresses a significant healthcare barrier for many, particularly those with lower incomes. The new law took effect on December 27, 2024, and aims to reduce the challenges associated with obtaining reproductive healthcare. State officials, including Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, believe this change will significantly benefit individuals who may struggle to access traditional healthcare providers for contraception.