Over-the-Counter Birth Control Receives FDA Approval

Just over a year ago, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, hence empowering states to make their own decisions about abortion.

The overturn of Roe prompted a series of reactions, such as meltdowns from Democrats, threats against Supreme Court justices, trigger laws in red states, and blue states vowing to make abortion even more accessible.

The Supreme Court’s verdict in June 2022 also triggered conversations about birth control and its accessibility in the United States. Traditionally, women seeking birth control had to go to their doctors in order to get prescriptions.

However, that’s all changed since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved birth control that’s accessible over the counter, as the Gateway Pundit reports.

What to Know About the FDA’s Approval

Opill (norgestrel) tablets will now be available over the counter for purchase without the need for a doctor’s prescription. Women seeking birth control will be able to find it at grocery stores, pharmacies, and typical drug stores.

The FDA approved the first-ever over-the-counter birth control pill, which means Opill will soon be made available to millions of Americans without a prescription. pic.twitter.com/xSBmHgnlsF

— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) July 13, 2023

In announcing this new development, the FDA stated more than 50% of six million annual births aren’t planned. The agency also notes that with birth control being made available over the counter, people will have an easier time preventing unplanned, unwanted pregnancies.

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The shipment of Opill (norgestrel) tablets will not begin until next year, seeing as the manufacturer of this drug has to prepare enough supply for the market.

According to reports, birth control that’s available over the country won’t come with any age restrictions, either.

The FDA has approved birth control pill Opill, the first nonprescription birth control pill in the U.S. pic.twitter.com/SGGO9L3gNP

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 13, 2023

Advocates of birth control have celebrated this as a win and a net positive. Critics, on the other hand, criticized the FDA and stated the organization shouldn’t have cleared birth control to be available over the counter.

The pricing of birth control, once it’s available over the counter, also remains to be seen.

This article appeared in The Patriot Brief and has been published here with permission.