The future we’ve been waiting for–where birth control pills are available right off the shelf–is almost here!
And we need YOU to help make it a reality!
The latest
The first-ever application for an over-the-counter birth control pill was submitted to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2022—a huge step forward toward a future where birth control pills are available right off the shelf! In October 2022, the FDA postponed its advisory committee meeting to review the application. Every day we wait is another day longer where barriers remain in place preventing people from getting access to the contraceptive care they need. We call on the agency to set a new date immediately and continue their scientific review of the application in a timely manner.
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Recent events
Since 2004, reproductive justice organizers, advocates, providers, and researchers have been working to break down barriers and build evidence and support for OTC birth control pills in the United States.
And now we’re closer than ever to this becoming a reality!
Facts
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People can get birth control pills over the counter in 100+ countries, including Mexico and the United Kingdom, but not yet in the United States—this needs to change!
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More than 99% of women of reproductive age who have ever had sex have used some form of birth control.
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Birth control pills are 99% effective when used exactly as directed and 91% effective with typical use.
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1 in 3 adult women in the United States who have ever tried to get a prescription for birth control said they faced obstacles.
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Barriers to birth control fall harder on people of color and Indigenous communities, young people, immigrants, LGBTQ+ folks, those working to make ends meet, people in rural communities, and people with disabilities.
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Major medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association, support making birth control pills available OTC for people of all ages.
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77% of women ages 18-49 support making birth control pills available OTC and 76% of young people believe birth control should be freely available without prescriptions.
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Making birth control pills available OTC is one way to increase reproductive health options, help bridge gaps in access, and give people greater control over their health and lives.
Spread the word
Birth control pills have been around for 6️⃣0️⃣+ years. But, barriers to access still exist—barriers rooted in systemic racism and other forms of discrimination + oppression. No more 🙅🏽barriers—everyone should have access to the care they need. #FreeThePill
Now, more than ever, we need more options for taking care of our #ReproHealth needs! Making birth control pills OTC can help bridge gaps in access + give ppl greater control over their health & lives. The time to join the movement to #FreeThePill is NOW: freethepill.org