The Evidence

If you’re looking for a quick reference on the evidence, these resources are a great place to start. If you want to dive deeper or want more information on a specific topic, check out our Resource Library where you can explore by areas of interest.

The case for moving birth control pills over the counter in the United States is strong. In July 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Opill—a progestin-only birth control pill—for over-the-counter (OTC) use. Opill is now available online and in stores across the country, making it the first-ever OTC daily birth control pill in the United States.

There are two types of daily birth control pills: progestin-only birth control pills (POPs) and combined oral contraceptives (COCs). They are both safe and effective in preventing pregnancy.

The body of existing data demonstrates that these medications are suitable for OTC use and access—check out the studies below to learn more!

Evidence for bringing progestin-only birth control pills (POPs) over the counter

As the name implies, progestin-only birth control pills contain one hormone: progestin

Featured
Research, Key Evidence
cost, interest, OTC access, progestin-only pills, unintended pregnancy, United States, young people
Modeling the impacts of price of an over-the-counter progestin-only pill on use and unintended pregnancy among US women
Research, Key Evidence
cost, interest, OTC access, progestin-only pills, unintended pregnancy, United States, young people
Research, Key Evidence
cost, interest, OTC access, progestin-only pills, unintended pregnancy, United States, young people
Research, Key Evidence
cost, interest, progestin-only pills, United States, young people
Interest in over-the-counter access to a progestin-only pill among women in the United States
Research, Key Evidence
cost, interest, progestin-only pills, United States, young people
Research, Key Evidence
cost, interest, progestin-only pills, United States, young people
Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraindications, FDA, OTC access, progestin-only pills, safety and efficacy, unintended pregnancy, United States, young people
Over-the-counter access to oral contraceptives for adolescents
Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraindications, FDA, OTC access, progestin-only pills, safety and efficacy, unintended pregnancy, United States, young people
Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraindications, FDA, OTC access, progestin-only pills, safety and efficacy, unintended pregnancy, United States, young people
Research, Key Evidence
contraindications, global, progestin-only pills, safety and efficacy, state, United States
Contraindications to progestin-only oral contraceptive pills among reproductive-aged women
Research, Key Evidence
contraindications, global, progestin-only pills, safety and efficacy, state, United States
Research, Key Evidence
contraindications, global, progestin-only pills, safety and efficacy, state, United States

Evidence for bringing combined oral contraceptives (COCs) over the counter

As the name implies, this type of birth control pill contains a combination of two hormones: progestin and estrogen

Featured
Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraceptive use, FDA, OTC access, safety and efficacy, United States
Pilot label comprehension study for an over-the-counter combined oral contraceptive pill in the United States
Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraceptive use, FDA, OTC access, safety and efficacy, United States
Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraceptive use, FDA, OTC access, safety and efficacy, United States
Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraindications, FDA, OTC access, progestin-only pills, safety and efficacy, unintended pregnancy, United States, young people
Over-the-counter access to oral contraceptives for adolescents
Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraindications, FDA, OTC access, progestin-only pills, safety and efficacy, unintended pregnancy, United States, young people
Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraindications, FDA, OTC access, progestin-only pills, safety and efficacy, unintended pregnancy, United States, young people
Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraindications, global, OTC access, prescription access, safety and efficacy, state, United States
Contraindications to combined oral contraceptives among over-the-counter compared with prescription users
Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraindications, global, OTC access, prescription access, safety and efficacy, state, United States
Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraindications, global, OTC access, prescription access, safety and efficacy, state, United States
Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraindications, safety and efficacy, state, United States
Accuracy of self-screening for contraindications to combined oral contraceptive use
Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraindications, safety and efficacy, state, United States
Research, Key Evidence
combined oral contraceptives, contraindications, safety and efficacy, state, United States