First birth control pill you can buy without a prescription will be available in U.S.

The first over-the-counter birth control pill will soon be available in the United States, making it easy for women and teens to purchase birth control without a prescription. Perrigo, the manufacturer, has started shipping the medication, Opill, to retailers, with prices around $20 for a month's supply. This move enables American women to access contraceptive medication just as simply as they would aspirin, and it can also be bought online.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Opill for over-the-counter sales last July, removing the need for a prescription. Perrigo confirmed that there will be no age restrictions for purchasing Opill, aligning it with other over-the-counter medications. Opill, which is a type of minipill containing progestin, is known for having fewer side effects compared to other birth control pills that mix estrogen and progestin.

The availability of Opill comes at a crucial time as reproductive rights face legal and political challenges in the United States. While the launch of Opill is separate from the controversies surrounding abortion access, it provides a vital birth control option. Anti-abortion groups have noted that they don't oppose the use of contraceptives like Opill to prevent pregnancies.

Despite Opill's approval, there were concerns from FDA scientists regarding the company's data, including doubts about whether some women with specific medical conditions would realize the pill isn't suitable for them. However, Dr. Verda Hicks from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists highlighted that studies indicate people, including teenagers, can successfully determine if they can take the pill. Birth control pills are widely available without prescriptions in many parts of South America, Asia, and Africa, offering a contrast to the U.S. approach before the availability of Opill.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department, which reported on this development, is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. Nonetheless, the content published by AP remains independent and solely reflects their responsibilities. This independence ensures the quality and reliability of the information presented about important health advancements like over-the-counter birth control.