For the first time in the United States, an over-the-counter birth control pill will be available to purchase in stores later this month, allowing women and teens to purchase contraceptive medication without a prescription.
Supporters of the "Right to Contraception Act," which would codify the ability to obtain and voluntarily use birth control in federal law and allow family planning providers to provide contraceptive care, hold a press conference outside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, June 14, 2023.
The Associated Press reported manufacturer Perrigo announced on Monday that it has begun shipping the medication, Opill, to major retailers and pharmacies. Perrigo noted that Opill is also available for purchase online. According to the company's suggested retail price, a one-month supply is roughly $20, and a three-month supply costs around $50.
News of the launch has been on the national radar since the Food and Drug Administration revealed the once-a-day pill could be sold without a prescription last July. Perrigo is an Ireland-based company and has stated there are no age restrictions on the sale of Opill.
The medication is an older class of contraceptive, containing a single synthetic hormone, progestin, and usually carries fewer side effects than most popular estrogen and progestin pills.
In light of ongoing legal and political debates concerning reproductive health, including discussions surrounding the potential reversal of Roe v. Wade, women in the United States may face limited options. The legislation reversal has upended abortion access around the country. Opill's approval is allegedly unrelated to the ongoing court battles over the abortion pill, mifepristone, says the AP.
Anti-abortion groups have strongly expressed their feelings toward the procedure but remain open to the use of contraceptives to help prevent pregnancies.
While this is the first over-the-counter contraceptive in the U.S., birth control pills are available without prescription across much of South America, Asia, and Africa.
A spokesperson for CVS told Time Magazine the pills will be in more than 7,500 of its stores nationwide and will be available to order on the store's app. People can opt for same-day delivery or pick-up in-store to preserve their privacy.
The drug was approved despite hesitation by FDA scientists, such as how it would affect women with certain medical conditions.
Side effects linked to the pill include bleeding, bloating, and abdominal pain.
