Along with chips, candy and soda, nonprescription drugs could be among the items sold in Maine vending machines if a proposed bill passes.
During a public hearing at the State House on Tuesday, University of Southern Maine student Emma Donnelly advocated for a change in state law to allow easier access to over-the-counter drugs, from cough medicine to emergency contraception.
“Whether you become nauseous at the airport or come down with a cold at the bus station, or need emergency contraception after sexual assault, or you get a migraine in between classes, a vending machine with over-the-counter medications will make a world of a difference,” she says.
The bill drew opposition from religious organizations, such as the state chapter of Concerned Women for America, who oppose the unrestricted sale of emergency contraception. Penny Morrell with the Maine chapter of Concerned Women for America says the group is against making emergency contraception more readily available, especially for teens.
“It’s a quick fix at the moment. But they haven’t had time to analyze it,” she says.
Supporters of the bill say vending machines with nonprescription drugs are already in place in train stations and airports in other states, and would provide greater access to medication at late hours, on weekends and in rural areas.
“Allowing over the counter drugs to be sold in vending machines would allow students, people who work long hours, and residents in rural areas, to have access to medicine whenever and wherever they need it,” says the bill’s sponsor, Democratic state Rep. Maureen Terry.
