FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 19, 2024
Contact: Loretta Kane (917-410-7242 or loretta@caminopr.com)
Pharmacists and advocates release new recommendations for contraceptive access
Groundbreaking report proposes solutions to overcome barriers and enhance contraceptive access at pharmacies
WASHINGTON — Today, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the Contraceptive Access Initiative released a new report, “Accessible Consumer Choices: Shaping the Future of Contraceptive Care at Pharmacies.” The report identifies key barriers and proposes solutions for creating more accessible pathways for consumers to obtain contraception.
The primary recommendation from pharmacy leaders is to establish a federal mandate for insurance coverage of over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptives, and to raise awareness through education efforts and signage.
“The endorsement of a new, nationwide standard for over-the-counter contraception insurance coverage is historic,” said Dana Singiser, co-founder of the Contraceptive Access Initiative (CAI). “If implemented, millions of people would gain affordable access to contraception.”
The report evaluates the impact and feasibility of these recommendations. It is intended to guide policymakers, patient advocacy groups, and pharmacies/pharmacy organizations in implementing changes and forming partnerships to ensure and expand access to affordable contraceptive care at pharmacies.
The top recommendation from the report is to implement a “uniform federal requirement to cover [over-the-counter] contraception.” and to “educate key populations about expanded access to contraception through pharmacies and pharmacists.” Other recommendations include public education to inform consumers about the availability of over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptives, minimizing cost barriers to OTC contraceptives at other locations, and expanding pharmacists’ authority to prescribe hormonal contraceptives in states where it is not currently permitted.
“Pharmacists routinely provide accessible care to patients in their local and extended communities. The recommendations from this report provide guidance to state and federal policymakers for maintaining and increasing equitable access to OTC and prescription hormonal contraceptive options from pharmacists at the consumers local pharmacy,” said Vice President of Professional Affairs at APhA Brigid Groves, PharmD, MS. “We encourage implementation of these recommendations to increase access to and coverage of pharmacist-provided hormonal contraceptive ordering and dispensing.”
The findings come from the “Accessible Consumer Choices: Shaping the Future of Contraceptive Care at Pharmacies Summit,” held at APhA Headquarters on February 28, 2024. The summit brought together experts from both the public and private sectors to address the challenges faced by pharmacists and consumers in improving contraceptive access. Recommendations, which were formulated during the summit and through a subsequent survey, focus on overcoming common obstacles to providing and accessing contraception
For more information or to schedule an interview to discuss the report or contraceptive access broadly, please contact Loretta Kane (loretta@caminopr.com).
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About APhA:
The American Pharmacist Association (APhA) is the only organization advancing the entire pharmacy profession. APhA leads the pharmacy profession by supporting pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians in their role of optimizing medication use and patient health outcomes and ensuring patients have access to pharmacists’ care. We do this through our strong and effective advocacy, top-notch education, practice tools, and resources, dissemination of evidence, and opportunities for members to engage and learn from each other. APhA is the pharmacy voice at the table in developing national guidelines, policies, and best practices that advance the profession and patient care.
About CAI:
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.