Exciting news for women’s reproductive autonomy! A panel of medical experts for the Food and Drug Administration has unanimously voted in favor of making the hormonal birth control pill Opill available over the counter, without a prescription. This move would be a game-changer, as it would be the first time a hormonal birth control pill would be accessible without any barriers.
Opill is a once-a-day pill containing only progestin, which has been proven to be remarkably safe in the five decades since its approval in 1973. Experts estimate that Opill is about 93% effective at preventing pregnancy in real-life use, making it more effective than other easily accessible birth control methods, such as condoms.
The panel of experts followed their unanimous vote with strong statements to the FDA that Opill’s switch to OTC would be safe, effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies, and would significantly improve reproductive autonomy and equity in the country. They also pointed to moving arguments made in the public comment section, the vast majority of which supported the switch to OTC.
While there was some discussion about whether teens would be able to navigate use of the pill without guidance from a doctor, several experts on the panel who care for adolescents were not particularly worried about this. They argued that adherence is a problem across the board, and a short conversation with a doctor who might only see a woman once a year isn’t going to be remarkably different than reading instructions on a box.
Overall, the easier access to the pill clearly outweighed the risks, and the panel’s support for OTC birth control aligns with major health organizations. The American Medical Association, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians have all previously endorsed OTC availability of oral birth control. This landmark decision represents a major step forward in women’s health and reproductive autonomy.
On Tuesday, July 14th, 2020, a major step forward in women’s health was taken as federal advisers approved a decision to make hormonal birth control pills available over-the-counter, without a prescription. The decision to make contraception easily accessible to everyone was passed 17 to 0 in a vote by members of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s advisory committee. The decision comes after more than two decades of advocacy of the concept of advancing access to birth control.
The over-the-counter status of the birth control pills, such as oral contraceptives, is expected to improve women’s health and reduce unintended pregnancies. This move will reduce the need for expensive and time consuming doctor visits, and help to increase inclusion for those who had previously been unable to access contraception at an affordable price. This comes as welcome relief for many, including young women, those who are uninsured, and those who have difficulty getting to a doctor’s office.
Unfortunately, it is still unclear as to when the over-the-counter version of the birth control pills will be available to consumers. The decision needs to be finalized by the FDA, and there is no set timeline for this to occur. However, with the overwhelming support of the FDA’s panel of advisers, it is expected to be a matter of time.
The approval is an important move in making contraception accessible to all, and in ensuring healthy outcomes for women. It is also a huge step forward in reducing unintended pregnancies, improving sexual health, and promoting better reproductive choice.
This is an exciting time for women’s health, and the unanimous vote by the FDA’s advisory panel is very encouraging. While the timeline for when the birth control pills will be available is uncertain, it is clear that this decision is a step in the right direction for women’s access to healthcare.
