The Pill:
Over-the-Counter Access
Two birth control pill formulations have been poised to go over the counter, significantly improving access. “Opill,” a progestin-only pill often called the “mini-pill,” has been approved for sale on store shelves without a prescription. A second pill, “Zena,” a formulation with two hormones used by over 90% of pill users, is in the final stages of the FDA approval process for over-the-counter status.
“The pill is one of the most popular forms of contraception and has been used by millions of people for over 60 years. Its record of safety is unassailable. Achieving over-the-counter status for the pill is a breakthrough advancement for reproductive health.”
— Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, MD, MPH, FACOG
Supported by Leading Medical Groups
Availability of an over-the-counter pill has been endorsed by major medical groups including:
American Medical Association
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
American Academy of Family Physicians
American College of Clinical Pharmacy
More than two-thirds of voters across parties believe the FDA should approve birth control pills to be sold over the counter.
Remove Barriers
The pill is safe and many experts, including The American Medical Association, agree that it should be available over the counter.
Important Advancement
A large majority — 70% — of women of reproductive age in the United States support making birth control pills available over the counter.
Increase Access
Over 10 million people in the United States take the pill, and many face unnecessary costs, delays and disruptions due to its prescription status.