Vending

Study explores expanding contraception vending across New York campuses

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August 31, 2026

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Researchers at Binghamton University are studying the use of emergency contraception vending machines on New York college campuses and whether students want greater access to over-the-counter contraceptives, according to a Campus Reform report. The project is led by pharmacy doctoral student Ariel Yosha and Taylor Clark, a clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice at the university's School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

The study will survey students about their use of emergency contraception vending machines and compare demand for the machines with interest in other over-the-counter contraceptive options. Binghamton installed an emergency contraception vending machine in May 2024 after students pushed for greater access, including through a petition that collected more than 300 signatures. Yosha said cost and distance can create barriers to contraception even in states such as New York where access is protected by law.

The research comes amid broader efforts to expand contraceptive access on college campuses. Binghamton pharmacy students worked with the New York Birth Control Access Project earlier this year to advocate for legislation requiring SUNY and CUNY campuses to have at least one emergency contraception vending machine. Several states have adopted requirements related to providing contraception at colleges and universities, while other proposals have sought to broaden access to reproductive health medications on campus.