swiss vending machines to sell pregnancy tests

[Amby 490]

ZURICH, Switzerland (Aug. 18) -- Next time you shop for a chocolate bar at the train station's vending machine, you may find a surprise.

Pregnancy tests will soon be offered on display among snacks and sodas across Switzerland, as the market leader company, Selecta, is equipping thousands of machines in train stations, offices and other public areas.

In a country where the concept of privacy is sacred and dutifully respected, the initiative is an effort to make sure that such products can be purchased out of sight. This can prove particularly crucial in the case of young people, who may find themselves having to deal with a pregnancy without wanting to share the news with anybody.

Indeed, the Zug-based Selecta says it wants to cater to the needs of its younger clients, offering them a more discreet option. Selecta's director, Thomas Nussbaumer, says the full roll-out of the products is planned for the end of the month, while some trial sales have already occurred over the past six months.

"We have seen that acceptance for such a product is high enough for us to proceed with equipping the 3,000 machines we have all over the country," Nussbaumer told AOL News. He added that, since condoms are selling well at the vending machines and demand is growing, it suggests there might be room for a "connected" product.

"The majority of our clients are between 16 and 28 years old. The main advantage for them is the availability -- there's going to be a pregnancy test just around the corner," Nussbaumer said.

"It's also a matter of privacy, which we can help protect," he added, explaining that it offers younger people the chance to buy a pregnancy test without necessarily interacting with a person, be it the pharmacist or the supermarket checkout operator.

The tests, which in Switzerland are also available at supermarkets, will be offered in vending machines in big cities, as well as in more remote or rural areas, where chances are higher that the news of a similar purchase can spread.

"You will find pregnancy tests at 3,300 meters of altitude, as well as in tiny villages," Nussbaumer said.

http://www.aolnews.com/weird-news/article/swiss-vending-machines-to-sell-pregnancy-tests/19594594

[Nagishkaw 510]

[Jenn! 918]

Good idea, but there's something a little icky about getting a pregnancy test from a vending machine. I suppose no more icky than getting a tampon from a vending machine though.

I've always thought the condom vending machines were a great idea.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Good idea, but there's something a little icky about getting a pregnancy test from a vending machine. I suppose no more icky than getting a tampon from a vending machine though.

I've always thought the condom vending machines were a great idea.

I'm always slightly disturbed that you can buy condoms and pregnancy tests at the 99cent store. On the one hand, I think it's great that people can obtain such items for such a low price (thus bringing family planning to people who may really need it but can't afford it), but on the other hand, I don't know if I would want to depend on a condom or test from the 99cent store.

[^_^ 5,021]

nm

Edited August 19, 2010 by Legacy member

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

nm

[Gemmie 142]

In Japan, I hear they sell school-girl panties in vending machines.

[^_^ 5,021]

I guess you saw my post pre-edit. It's a slippery slope. Today they sell pregnancy tests, tomorrow they'll be selling cocaine and the day after they will sell grilled and salted baby parts.

It needs to stop. The scourge of vending machines must end.

Edited August 19, 2010 by Legacy member

[chri'stina 190]

Pregnancy tests from the dollar store are as accurate as more pricey tests, as long as they haven't expired yet. People spend too much on pregnancy tests!

[Gemmie 142]

I guess you saw my post pre-edit. It's a slippery slope. Today they sell pregnancy tests, tomorrow they'll be selling cocaine and the day after they will sell grilled and salted baby parts.

It needs to stop. The scourge of vending machines must end.

Careful, I might find that offensive.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

grilled and salted baby parts.

Oh, awesome! You do know this is how I keep my powers topped up. To be able to buy them through the anonymity of a vending machine... bliss.

[^_^ 5,021]

Careful, I might find that offensive.

So report me.

Oh, awesome! You do know this is how I keep my powers topped up. To be able to buy them through the anonymity of a vending machine... bliss.

If vending machine proliferation is not stopped, there will be no way to protect the world from the likes of you.

[Gemmie 142]

Stop bullying me.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

If vending machine proliferation is not stopped, there will be no way to protect the world from the likes of you.

Cool!

[^_^ 5,021]

Stop bullying me.

You deserve it. You speak English don't you?