The US Food and Drug Administration approved the oral contraceptive Opill for use without a prescription. It is the first hormonal contraceptive available over the counter in the US
By Grace Wade
13 July 2023
A contraceptive pill will be available without a prescription for the first time in the US
Shutterstock / Image Point Fr
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the country’s first birth control pill for use without a prescription. The decision, announced on 13 July, will significantly increase access to contraception in the US.
Currently, hormonal contraceptives can only be obtained in the US with a prescription, which usually requires visiting a doctor. This can be difficult for those who lack health insurance, live in rural areas or don’t have time to go to a clinic. A 2016 survey found that nearly a third of women in the US who report trying to obtain a prescription or refill for hormonal birth control have had trouble doing so.
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A daily birth control pill called Opill will be available in the US early next year at drug stores, convenience stores and online retailers. The approval does not apply to other hormonal birth control options.
The administration first approved Opill for use with a prescription in 1973. With typical use, it prevents 93 per cent of pregnancies, whereas condoms, spermicides and other over-the-counter contraceptives are only about 79 to 87 per cent effective.
“When used as directed, daily oral contraception is safe and is expected to be more effective than currently available nonprescription contraceptive methods in preventing unintended pregnancy,” said Patrizia Cavazzoni at the FDA in a statement.