Power to Decide applauds the FDA approval of OTC access for birth control pill

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the progestin-only birth control pill, Opill, for over-the-counter (OTC) access without an age restriction, in accordance with their Advisory Committee’s unanimous vote in favor of approval. (Pricing has yet to be determined.) The move will greatly increase contraceptive access for many, at a time when restrictions on reproductive health services and barriers to access contraception are on the rise. 

Power to Decide CEO Raegan McDonald-Mosley, MD, MPH issued the following statement in support of the decision: 

“Power to Decide applauds the FDA for following the scientific evidence in approving over-the-counter access for Opill. As a practicing OBGYN, I know that my patients do not need a doctor’s visit to safely and effectively use birth control pills, and that the requirement for a visit presents significant obstacles for many people. Today’s decision knocks down an unnecessary barrier, especially for those in contraceptive deserts — counties where people in need of publicly funded contraceptive care lack reasonable access to a clinic that provides the full range of contraceptive methods. The FDA’s approval of OTC access for Opill will increase access to contraception across the country. We look forward to working with policymakers to ensure that the over-the-counter pill is affordable and covered by insurers without a prescription.

“At a time when reproductive health and rights are under relentless attack, the FDA’s decision clears the way for access to a birth control pill without having to wait weeks or even months for a medical appointment. This long overdue advancement will help more people have the power to decide if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child.”

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Power to Decide is a private, non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to ensure all people—no matter who they are, where they live, or what their economic status might be—have the power to decide if, when and under what circumstances to get pregnant or have a child.