Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

For the first time, the US considers over-the-counter birth control pills

Presently, all hormonal daily birth control pills require a prescription in the US.

For the first time, the US considers over-the-counter birth control pills

A 2015 study declared that obtaining birth control pills without a prescription in the US was difficult for many women. Some of the difficulties reported include a lack of insurance, language barriers, or the cost. The study revealed that approximately one in four women who attempted to get a hormonal birth control pill reportedly faced difficulties.

Presently, all hormonal daily birth control pills require a prescription in the US, reports the Guardian.


But in what can be considered a historic move, for the first time in the US, a pharmaceutical firm has asked to be allowed to sell birth control pills over the counter, a report in the BBC stated.

Additionally, a report in the Guardian stated that the application from Paris-based HRA Pharma would seek to make Opill, which is an everyday, prescription-only hormonal contraception available over-the-counter. The contraceptive was reportedly first approved in 1973.

An approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would for the first time allow people to purchase “the pill” without a prescription since oral contraceptives became widely available in the 1960s.

Even though the announcement comes just weeks after the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion, the Pharma company has reportedly said that its application to the FDA is unrelated.

Contraception pills which are the most common form of contraception in the US have always required a prescription. According to studies, 50 percent of approximately 6.1 million pregnancies are reportedly accidental in the US. And though contraceptive pills have been available in the US for more than 60 years, about one-third of women have reported difficulty in getting the pills or filling the prescriptions.

Around the world, 100 countries or more provide oral contraceptives without a prescription. Therefore, according to the BBC, several major US medication organisations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians are urging the US authorities to follow in their footsteps.

Frédérique Welgryn, Chief Strategic Operations and Innovation Officer at HRA Pharma told the Guardian, “This historic application marks a groundbreaking moment in contraceptive access and reproductive equity in the US.”

She is also quoted as saying, "Moving a safe and effective birth control pill to OTC [over the counter] will help even more women and people access contraception without facing unnecessary barriers."

The OTC birth control pill is expected to provide an alternative form of family planning, especially in the chaotic aftermath of the supreme court’s decision to overturn its 1973 ruling in Roe v Wade (the right to choose to have an abortion).

The HRA Pharma has stated that a decision from the FDA regarding the application to make the contraceptive Opill available over the counter, is expected sometime next year.

More For You

National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lepra

'The 100 Club offers a powerful way to support and scale-up this work,' said the organisers.

Lepra launches 100 Club to support community-based leprosy detection

LEPRA launched its first high-value giving network, the 100 Club, on June 26. The event was held at Quilon Restaurant in London and brought together philanthropists, business leaders and supporters of the charity’s work.

The event was hosted by Kalpesh Solanki, Group Managing Editor of Asian Media Group and President of the 100 Club. Remarks were delivered by Lepra’s Chair of Trustees Suzanne McCarthy and CEO Jimmy Innes, who spoke about the organisation’s ASPIRE project.

Keep ReadingShow less
family-centre-iStock

Currently, one in four families with children under five do not have access to local children’s centres or Family Hubs. (Representational image: iStock)

£500 million plan to expand family services across England

THE UK government has announced the nationwide rollout of Best Start Family Hubs across every local authority, aiming to support 500,000 more children by 2028.

The hubs are intended to offer easier access to family services and reduce pressure on parents.

Keep ReadingShow less