The Times of Latinas: Preferences for Over-the-Counter Access to Birth Control in the Light of the Supreme Court Case in 2022
The medication, called Opill, which was approved for over-the-counter sale by the Food and Drug Administration last year, will be the most effective birth control method available without a prescription, research shows — more effective than condoms, spermicides and other nonprescription methods.
Since the Supreme Court overturned the national right to an abortion in 2022, the accessibility of contraception has become an increasingly urgent issue. But long before that, the move to make a nonprescription pill available for all ages had received widespread support from specialists in reproductive and adolescent health and groups.
According to a statement Monday, the executive director of the National Latina Institute for reproductive Justice, over-the-counter access to birth control will greatly reduce the barriers.
The approval of Opill received little opposition from the conservative groups that are often critical of measures to increase access to abortion, emergency contraception and sex education. Opposition appeared to come primarily from some Catholic organizations and Students for Life Action.
According to a survey conducted by the health care research organization KFF, more than three-quarters of women of reproductive age prefer an over-the-counter pill due to convenience.
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An Overview of Opill: An Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill Contraceptive-Saw Closing Alternative to Opirox
“We have been working on it for nine years and got approval in July 2023 from the FDA to move forward. And it’s been kind of full-steam ahead since that day,” says Triona Schmelter, an executive at Perrigo, which manufactures Opill.
This isn’t a new kind of birth control pill. The substance was approved for prescription use in 1973. But this is the first birth control pill that has been approved for use without a prescription from a health care provider.
Yes. Like many other oral contraceptives, it’s 98% effective at preventing pregnancy if taken correctly. It should start to work 48 hours after taking the first dose. Potential side effects include headaches, bloating and cramping.
“Today we begin shipping O pill to our retailers across the nation, for their brick-and-mortar stores.” She says it will be available in-store and online, as well as on online marketplaces.
A month’s supply of Opill has a recommended retail price. It will be a little cheaper to buy in bulk, however, with a three-month supply costing $49.99. A six-month supply is also available for $899.99.
Source: First over-the-counter birth control pill heads to stores
Saving Birth Control Pills for People with a Prescription Cardiac Using a Walk Through a Family Planning Store, a Retailer’s Choice
Although birth control pills are available to people with insurance without a copay due to the Affordable Care Act, not everyone wants their birth control pill to show up on their insurance, so they may choose to pay out of pocket.
It doesn’t require a doctor’s visit, which is great since it doesn’t require time off work or babysitting, and it doesn’t require a doctor. “You can walk into any local retailer and, in the family planning section, pick it up at your convenience.”