Over-the-counter access to oral contraceptives

Research

Dec 1

Daniel Grossman

Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinics of North America

Abstract

Making oral contraceptives (OCs) available over the counter (OTC) could help to reduce the high rate of unintended pregnancy in the United States. Surveys show widespread support for OTC access to OCs among US women. Studies indicate that women can accurately use checklists to identify contraindications to OCs. Continuation is as good or better among OTC users compared with women using OCs obtained by prescription. Women and clinicians have expressed concerns related to making OCs available OTC. These concerns can be addressed by existing data or through research required by the Food and Drug Administration as part of the application to make OCs available OTC.

continuationcontraindicationscostFDAinsurance coverageinterestOTC accessprescription accesssafety and efficacyunintended pregnancyUnited States

Leah Scott

Over-the-counter access to oral contraceptives

Abstract

Prescription birth control access among U.S. women at risk of unintended pregnancy

A survey of teenagers’ attitudes toward moving oral contraceptives over the counter