FDA approves first over-the-counter birth control pill

The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday that Perrigo’s daily birth control pill, Opill, may now be sold without a prescription. Hormone-based pills have been the most common form of birth control in the United States since the 1960s, and until now, all required a prescription. The FDA first approved Opill for use in 1973, when it was marketed as Ovrette by Pfizer. Ireland-based Perrigo said the pill will be in stores early next year and has not said how much the drug will cost. Over-the-counter medicines are generally less expensive than prescriptions but often are not covered by insurance.

Have experts raised concerns about the approval? Some FDA scientists warned that women may only understand the safety warnings included with the pills if a doctor explains the potential side effects or risks. The agency also said some women and teenage girls may need help understanding the directions. Thursday’s FDA approval of Opill does not extend to any other birth control medication. 

Dig deeper: Read Mary Jackson’s report in WORLD Magazine about how some pro-life pregnancy centers are offering contraceptives to women.