This Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration approved the oral contraceptive Opill for over-the-counter sales. This is now the first hormonal contraceptive pill available in the U.S. without a prescription.
The pill called Opill, also known as the “mini-pill,” contains one hormone, progestin, and is taken daily. It was first approved by the FDA as a prescription back in 1973, NBC News notes. Now, there’s no need to go to the doctor to get one prescribed as the FDA said it is approving the over-the-counter version for all users of reproductive age.
Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni, the director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a statement, “Today’s approval marks the first time a nonprescription daily oral contraceptive will be an available option for millions of people in the United States. When used as directed, daily oral contraception is safe and is expected to be more effective than currently available nonprescription contraceptive methods in preventing unintended pregnancy.”
“Birth control,” “IUD” and even medical sterilization have all jumped in internet search trends, and drugstore chains have limited purchases of so-called morning-after pills to cope with demand. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
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Its manufacturer, Perrigo, called the FDA action a “milestone” and a “giant leap for women’s empowerment ” in a statement. “Today’s approval is a groundbreaking expansion for women’s health in the U.S., and a significant milestone towards addressing a key unmet need for contraceptive access,” said Frederique Welgryn, Perrigo global vice president for women’s health.
Frederique Welgryn, who is the global vice president for women’s health for Perrigo — the pill’s manufacturer, also released a statement saying, “Today’s approval is a groundbreaking expansion for women’s health in the U.S., and a significant milestone towards addressing a key unmet need for contraceptive access,” said Frederique Welgryn, Perrigo global vice president for women’s health.
Opill is expected to be available over-the-counter in stores by the end of March 2024.
More On Why Over The Counter Birth Control Pills Are Helpful For Women
As some are already aware, over-the-counter (OTC) birth control offers a multitude of benefits that cannot be overlooked. By making birth control easily accessible without the need for a prescription, it empowers individuals to take control of their reproductive health in a convenient and timely manner. One of the key advantages of OTC birth control is increased accessibility. Removing the barrier of needing a doctor’s appointment and prescription allows individuals to obtain contraception more readily. This is particularly beneficial for those who may face challenges in accessing healthcare services, such as individuals living in remote areas or those with limited financial resources.
Furthermore, OTC birth control promotes autonomy and empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. It puts the power in their hands, allowing them to choose when and how they want to prevent pregnancy without relying solely on healthcare providers.
Another good benefit is the potential reduction in unintended pregnancies. With easier access to OTC birth control, individuals have greater opportunities to use contraception consistently and effectively. Not only can this significantly decrease the number of unplanned pregnancies, but also lead to positive social and economic outcomes for both individuals and society as a whole.
OTC birth control can also contribute to overall public health by reducing the need for more invasive procedures such as abortions or emergency contraception. By providing easy access to effective contraception methods, it supports proactive family planning efforts and promotes responsible sexual health practices.
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