FDA Approves First Birth Control Pill Available Without A Prescription
For the first time ever, an over-the-counter birth control pill has been approved by the FDA. This development is being marketed as a huge step forward for women, but there are many factors that need to be considered.
The birth control pill has long been a popular method of contraception among American women, even though it was originally used as a form of eugenics. According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 13% of women in the United States use the birth control pill, equating to nearly 10 million women. Demographically, birth control pill usage is most prevalent among young adults, with the highest usage rates observed in women aged 20-29. According to the National Survey of Family Growth, nearly 25% of women in this age bracket reported using the pill as their primary method of contraception. For the first time ever, the pill may be available over the counter without a prescription.