An over-the-counter birth control pill has been approved by the FDA.
The move will majorly improve access for many.
Theres the often otherwise useless OB/GYN visit, and the frustratingly long lines at the pharmacy.
(It is currently available by prescription.)
Opills manufacturer saysthe pill will be available in stores and online retailers by early 2024.
Many advocates say the move cant come too soon.
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As someone who has personally struggled with obtaining birth control pills, this move feels personal.
Thats not to mention the intense battles of wits with insurance reps over annoying copays for those doctors visits.
Preventing an unintended pregnancy shouldnt feel like a dizzying process that results in tears.
The benefit of the pill is its 99-percent effectiveness in preventing unintended pregnancies (when used correctly).
However, so many people face enormous barriers when it comes to contraception access.
Heres How I Finally Figured It Out
And the consequences are distressing.
Any over-the-counter birth control pill must be covered by insurance and sold at an affordable price.
The approval of oral contraceptives by the FDAdates back to 1960, marking a significant milestone in contraception history.
(In fact, Opill was first approved under a different name 50 years ago.)
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By 2005, it was estimated thatover 500 million women worldwiderelied on hormonal contraceptives.
Today,approximately 1 in 4Americans who ovulate and use birth control opt for oral contraceptives.
Yet, despite the large percentage who take the pill, the ability to obtain it has remained challenging.
Bringing oral contraceptives over-the-counter eases the long-time obstacles.
That sounds remarkable to me.
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