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The prospect of more accessible birth control comes at a pivotal time for reproductive healthcare in the U.S.
By Lisa Taylor
July 11, 2022
Imagine being able to quickly pop into a pharmacy at any time and purchase a fresh pack of birth control pills without the hassle of contacting your doctor for a new prescription or waiting for a refill from your pharmacist. This would certainly alleviate some challenges associated with having female reproductive organs, right? With recent restrictions on reproductive healthcare exacerbated by the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the timing is indeed crucial.
The French pharmaceutical company HRA Pharma has submitted a request for FDA approval for its over-the-counter birth control pill. Currently known by prescription as Opill, this non-estrogen contraceptive, also referred to as the “mini pill,” received its initial U.S. approval in 1973. FDA approval for its over-the-counter sale is anticipated in the first half of 2023. “We’re thrilled to be the first company to submit the inaugural application to the FDA for daily birth control available over the counter,” stated Mark Roberts, the company’s chief strategic operations and innovation officer, according to Time. However, the timing was coincidental. “We’ve been working on this application for the past seven years,” Roberts explained, as reported by Reuters.
Hormonal contraception can be obtained over the counter in numerous countries, as noted by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), which also points out that around 50% of pregnancies in the U.S. each year are unplanned. The AAFP is among several professional organizations endorsing the move to make hormonal contraception available over the counter in the United States. A study from 2016 revealed that 29% of U.S. women trying to obtain a prescription for hormonal contraception encountered difficulties in securing their prescriptions or refills. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists supports the availability of over-the-counter hormonal contraception without age restrictions, advocating it as a means to improve access. “Multiple studies have shown that women can effectively use self-screening tools to assess their suitability for hormonal contraceptive use,” the organization noted, emphasizing the safety and efficacy of such contraceptives. While prescription access remains necessary at this time, “over-the-counter access to hormonal contraception should be the ultimate objective.”
It’s worth mentioning that emergency contraception, such as levonorgestrel—commonly known as Plan B—has been available over the counter to individuals of all ages since 2013. This medication can be taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy. Unlike regular hormonal contraceptives, it is not intended for consistent use but can be kept in your medicine cabinet for emergencies.
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In summary, HRA Pharma’s efforts to gain FDA approval for an over-the-counter birth control pill signal a significant step towards improving access to reproductive healthcare in the U.S., particularly during a time of heightened restrictions. The anticipated approval would pave the way for women to obtain essential contraceptive methods without the need for prescriptions, addressing barriers that many face today.
Keyphrase: over-the-counter birth control pill
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