The Pill:
Over-the-Counter Access
“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
New poll results: A second type of over-the-counter birth control pill — used by over 90% of pill users — may face final FDA review during the Trump administration. Recent polling shows that 89% of women ages 18-34 favor a second over-the-counter birth control pill.
See our full poll findings here.
Strong majorities find it important for a second type of birth control pill to be available OTC
Strong majorities support expanding coverage requirements for contraception to OTC options
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. Watch the following videos for a medical overviews of over-the-counter birth control pills, plus what to expect as “Zena” makes its way through the regulatory process:
In 2024 “Opill,” a progestin-only pill often called the “mini-pill,” was the first birth control pill to be offered for sale on store shelves without a prescription. Watch the video for everything you need to know about this major advancement:
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
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 — 86% — of women of reproductive age in the United States support making birth control pills available over the counter.
Increase Access
Both versions of the pill — the mini pill and the commonly used combined pill — must be available over the counter for true accessibility.