Doctors back nonprescription birth control
A leading group of doctors in the United States has broadened its guidelines on birth control, recommending that all forms of hormonal contraceptives, including vaginal rings and contraceptive patches, be sold over the counter.
In addition, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) said depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injections should also be available over the counter, with no age restrictions.
Previously, ACOG had recommended over-thecounter access to birth control pills. This new statement expands that position.
“The need to consistently obtain a prescription, get a refill approval or schedule an appointment can lead to inconsistent use of a preferred birth control method,” Dr. Michelle Isley, who co-authored the opinion, said in an ACOG news release.
“Making more methods available over the counter would lead to reliable, equitable access for more women.”
Also, the doctors’ group said there is no medical reason to make age a barrier in obtaining over-thecounter contraception. The group understands, however, that regulations governing the sale of these contraceptives will have to be updated to achieve their goal.
“Over-the-counter hormonal birth control would be a step toward greater access to an essential component of women’s health care and give adolescents and women more options to manage their reproductive health,” said Dr. Rebecca Allen, an ACOG committee member.
The group stressed that a woman’s health insurance should still cover contraceptives sold over the counter.
The report was published online in September in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.