FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mar. 18, 2024
Contact: Loretta Kane (loretta@caminopr.com or 917-410-7240)
As birth control pill hits retail shelves, experts educate public
Resources launched for journalists help clarify confusion and avoid misinformation
WASHINGTON — The pharmaceutical company Perrigo announced that, beginning today, the first birth control pill available over the counter, “Opill,” will land on store shelves nationwide. Opill now is the most effective contraception available over the counter.
“Having a birth control pill available over the counter will allow people to access effective birth control without having to jump through unnecessary hoops and barriers. Contraception is critical to help people plan their health care and their futures,” said Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, CEO of Power to Decide, CAI Chief Medical Advisor and a practicing OB-GYN. “Now we need to take the next steps to guarantee affordable contraceptive access for all.”
Research has shown significant public misinformation about contraceptive pills (see below), and the launch of Opill has the potential to worsen confusion. Contraceptive Access Initiative (CAI) has compiled two critical resources to assist journalists:
A short (approximately one minute) explainer videos to help journalists convey the facts about Opill and reduce any misinformation. Trusted national reproductive and sexual health expert and OB-GYN Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley is featured in these videos.
A list of major anti-abortion groups and leaders that are on record in opposition to the birth control pill or over-the-counter access (see below).
“The pill’s availability on store shelves is a pivotal moment in reproductive health, enabling millions to secure safe and effective birth control without the barrier of a doctor's visit,” said CAI Co-founder Dana Singiser. “Now we need to make sure individuals have the resources and information they need to access the pill.”
Misinformation about contraception and Opill
Just days before Perrigo announced that Opill, the first over-the-counter birth control, was heading to stores, major drug store chains announced they would start filling medication abortion prescriptions for the first time. The timing of the announcements further exacerbated confusion between the contraceptive pill and the abortion pill. (See national expert Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley explain safety issues and the impact of the pill going over the counter.)
Most people do not realize that there are two types of birth control pills and only one is now over the counter. Opill, the new over-the-counter birth control pill, is a progestin-only pill often called the “mini-pill” that is used by less than 10% of pill users today. Potential consumers need information about Opill: how it works, common side effects, and how it is different from the more commonly used combined oral contraceptive pill.
Resources to help combat misinformation
Dr. Raegan discusses Opill’s safety record and the impact of being on the shelf here.
Dr. Raegan discusses the difference between Opill and other types of birth control pills here.
Opposition to birth control and Opill
Major anti-abortion organizations have told journalists that they do not oppose contraception. However, this statement does not hold up to scrutiny. The following statements from the leading anti abortion groups include misinformation about Opill, which is contraception, not abortion. A short explainer video on these myths is here.
National Right to Life
“Asked about over-the-counter birth control, the National Right to Life organization said it ‘does not take a stance on anything that prevents fertilization.’” — Washington Post, May 2023, in an article about Opill.
This statement puts them in opposition to most contraceptive choices, including the birth control pill. For more information about the pregnancy process and misinformation about contraception, see this short explainer video).
SBA List
The leading national anti-abortion group Susan B Anthony (SBA) List told the Associated Press they do not take a position on contraception. However, two members of the Susan B Anthony Education Fund, which uses the dba Charlotte Lozier Institute, spoke out forcefully against Opill.
“Conservatives should oppose the FDA’s approval of Opill and ask future Republican presidential administrations to revoke the FDA approval for Opill and other over-the-counter contraceptives. — Michael New, senior associate scholar at Charlotte Lozier Institute (SBA List) and Asst Professor at Catholic University.
“‘...because it [Opill] does not prevent ovulation as well as other methods, there is also a concern of a post-fertilization (abortifacient) effect on the uterine lining.’” — Dr. Ingrid Skop, Charlotte Lozier Institute (SBA List), discussing Opill in July 2023.
American Association of Pro Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists
This statement incorrectly claims that Opill may cause an abortion; in fact, Opill is contraception and thus prevents pregnancy.
“Anyone who wants to use a contraceptive while being one hundred percent certain it has no abortifacient qualities should avoid using this one [Opill].” — Dr. Christina Francis, the CEO of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Students for Life of America
The leader of this group has stated that contraception should be illegal, and they define the birth control pill as an abortifacient.
“Making it easy for abusers to cover up their sexual abuse and statutory rape crimes with Online, No Test Chemical Abortion Pills or over-the-counter birth control sales is negligent public policy,” — Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life
True over-the-counter access to contraception
True over-the-counter access to contraception remains incomplete until:
Both formulations of the birth control pill are accessible without a prescription;
The Opill is widely available, including in contraceptive deserts; and
The pill is financially accessible for all — covered by insurance and affordable to people without insurance .
Resources
Visit the Contraceptive Access Initiative website to learn more about:
A roadmap for making over-the-counter contraception affordable.
Facts about the FDA review of both types of birth control pills.
Please contact Loretta Kane (loretta@caminopr.com) to request interviews with experts.
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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.