OTC Birth Control Pill Access World Map

Birth control pills are already available over the counter in more than 100 countries around the world. After 20 years of research, advocacy, and movement-building led by Free the Pill, the United States joined that list in March 2024. The first FDA-approved OTC birth control pill is now available on store shelves across the country and through online retailers!

Source: Grindlay K, Burns B, Grossman D. Prescription requirements and over-the-counter access to oral contraceptives: A global review. Contraception. 2013;88(1):91-6. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2012.11.021.

The data represented in this map come primarily from the cited peer-reviewed paper above; however, updates have been made periodically to reflect new information. Last comprehensive update: May 2023