FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2024
Contact: Loretta Kane (loretta@caminopr.com or 917-410-7242)
New resources in anticipation of historic launch of first over-the-counter birth control pills
Reproductive health experts and advocates outline roadmap to affordability
WASHINGTON — In anticipation of the first quarter launch of the first over-the-counter (OTC) daily oral contraceptive pill, health experts and advocates are underscoring the need for no-cost access through health insurance programs. This week, Contraceptive Access Initiative (CAI) also released three new explainer videos, just a couple of minutes in length, about this groundbreaking development:
An essential primer on Opill, the first over-the-counter birth control pill.
"Everything You Need to Know about the First Over-The-Counter Birth Control Pill," and
There is an urgent and growing public outcry for increased access to contraception. With recent alarming signals from the courts and elected officials about attacks on contraception and fertility treatments, a breakthrough in over-the-counter birth control is a monumental advancement. Opill, the mini-pill soon to be on store shelves, immediately becomes the most effective over-the-counter birth control on the market.
CAI is calling for a multi-pronged approach to affordability for Opill. “True access means being able to obtain the pill without a prescription, and being able to afford it. It is tremendously exciting that no-cost access to OTC birth control pills is within reach for the nearly 60 million women of reproductive age with a few changes to insurance practices and government programs,” said Dana Singiser, CAI co-founder. “In addition, the retail price and other avenues are critical to ensure that Opill is affordable to the 7.6 million women of reproductive age without insurance.”
Journalists preparing to cover Opill’s rollout on store shelves can access these resources:
Information about affordability of the pill OTC and the roadmap to affordability is here.
A letter from 48 senators urging a requirement to cover OTC contraception is here.
A white paper on private health plans is here.
Details about the pill over the counter are here.
Media kit on the pill over the counter is here.
Research shows that access to affordable birth control is important to consumers. Seventy-one percent of likely voters support requiring insurers to cover the cost of OTC birth control pills. This includes majorities across Democrats, Independents and Republicans.
Please contact Loretta Kane (loretta@caminopr.com) to request interviews with experts or personal storytellers.
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The nonprofit Contraceptive Access Initiative advocates for increasing access to contraception, free from stigma, bias and coercion. CAI supports affordable over-the-counter access to oral contraception without restrictions. Our work reduces misinformation and challenges disinformation, while uplifting educational content that helps people make the choices that are right for them.