Posted: January 14, 2016 Contributor: PRJKT RUBY
The Future of Birth Control: Over-the-Counter Pills For All?
The recent news that Oregon has become the first state in the U.S. to allow women to buy their birth control pills over-the-counter has given many women cause to celebrate. It’s also left the majority of us wondering why other states aren’t there yet. Fortunately, for those living in the Golden State, California will soon be joining Oregon in the OTC birth control movement in just a few months.
Still not sure how OTC birth control works? Here’s what you need to know and what to expect in the future.
- Other areas of the world already allow women to purchase OTC birth control.
You might be surprised to learn that in other countries, like China and India for example, a prescription for the pill isn’t needed. According to a Reuters report, there are 45 countries that require a prescription for birth control and in 102 other countries in which the pill can be obtained either over the counter or after a simple screening. - Many health care providers agree that birth control can be safely taken without a prescription.
Many doctors agree that a consultation with a pharmacist is sufficient to safely allow a woman to take the right kind of hormonal birth control for her. - The financial impact would be favorable for women.
Without the added cost of a doctor’s appointment, low income women would have one less financial obstacle when it comes to starting a birth control program. - OTC birth control could lower teen pregnancy rates.
It’s not only low income women who face struggles when going to the doctor for birth control, but teens too. Not only do they have trouble coming up with the money, but they also may not want to discuss their desire to start birth control with their parents. If they are under their parents insurance, privacy is not an option. OTC birth control would encourage teens to confidently start on the pill without fear of their parents knowing.