S4400C

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring State University of New York and City University of New York institutions to install vending machines selling low-cost emergency contraceptives, with a vote of 42-18. Sponsored by Sen. Webb, the bill (S4400C, Calendar 1689) mandates that each SUNY and CUNY campus offering in-person instruction maintain at least one such vending machine to improve student access to reproductive healthcare. Webb cited research showing that 76 percent of pregnancies among 18-to-19-year-olds are unintended, and noted that Binghamton University's recent installation of a 24/7 accessible vending machine in its library demonstrates the practical benefit of such access during extended hours and weekends. She emphasized that many college students rely solely on campus-based healthcare services, making on-campus access to emergency contraception critical. The legislation aligns New York with more than 30 other colleges nationwide that have implemented similar programs. Eighteen senators voted against the measure. The bill takes effect April 1, 2025.