FDA signs off selling birth control pill over the counter without prescription!

 

Opill, a birth control pill that has been around for 50 years, will soon be available for sale over the counter

Olufemi Odeyemi writes: On Thursday, the United States reached a milestone in reproductive health care when the FDA approved Opill, a birth control pill, for sale over-the-counter without a prescription. Opill, which has been approved for contraceptive use for 50 years and is more than 90 percent effective in preventing pregnancies, only contains one hormone, progestin, and requires a few days to take effect. It will hit shelves in early 2024, joining the more than 100 other countries that already allow for certain contraceptives to be sold over-the-counter.

The approval of OTC birth control has had some bipartisan support, even from progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and conservative Sen. Ted Cruz. Some GOP state legislatures have tried to make it easier for people to get birth control without a prescription. However, some anti-abortion groups are opposed to the approval of Opill.

The biggest obstacle to people being able to access Opill without a prescription will be the cost, as the Affordable Care Act only requires health insurers to cover at least one prescription contraceptive as part of their benefits, and not any over-the-counter medication. Unless policy changes are made, the price set by the manufacturer, Perrigo Company, will determine who can access the pill. The company has said it will make the pill affordable and accessible, but research shows even a small cost burden, such as $10, can discourage people from using the medication they need. This is concerning, as for most people the main hurdle to getting a contraceptive is getting a doctor to prescribe it.

President Biden has asked his administration to consider various strategies for covering the cost of the drug, as well as draft guidance for best practices for providing “seamless coverage” of OTC birth control. Sen. Patty Murray has reintroduced a bill that would create a federal mandate for insurance coverage for OTC birth control, but it remains to be seen whether that gains traction.

As the US health system continues to bring important products to market, it is essential that Americans have the financial means to access them. Without policy changes, the availability of OTC Opill may not live up to its potential due to cost concerns, leaving many without the contraception they need.