The first-ever over-the-counter birth control pill in the United States is here!
The latest
As of March 4, Opill—the first-ever over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill in the United States—is available for pre-order from select online retailers and is expected to be on store shelves at major retailers nationwide in the coming weeks. However, even as we celebrate this advance in access, we recognize that there is more work to do to reduce cost barriers and ensure that Opill is equitably accessible. At a suggested retail price of $19.99 per pack, many people—especially those who currently face the most barrier to access due to systemic inequities and other forms of oppression—will not be able to benefit from this historic advancement. No one should be denied access to OTC birth control pills because of cost barriers.
In the news
Featured resources
Recent events
Since 2004, reproductive justice organizers, advocates, providers, and researchers have been working to break down barriers and build evidence and support for OTC birth control pills in the United States.
And now we’re closer than ever to this becoming a reality!
Facts
-
People can get birth control pills over the counter in 100+ countries—and as of 2024, the United States, too!
-
More than 99% of women of reproductive age who have ever had sex have used some form of birth control.
-
Birth control pills are 99% effective when used exactly as directed and 91% effective with typical use.
-
1 in 3 adult women in the United States who have ever tried to get a prescription for birth control said they faced obstacles.
-
Barriers to birth control fall harder on people of color and Indigenous communities, young people, immigrants, LGBTQ+ folks, those working to make ends meet, people in rural communities, and people with disabilities.
-
Major medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Medical Association, support making birth control pills available OTC for people of all ages.
-
77% of women ages 18-49 support making birth control pills available OTC and 76% of young people believe birth control should be freely available without prescriptions.
-
Making birth control pills available OTC is one way to increase reproductive health options, help bridge gaps in access, and give people greater control over their health and lives.
Spread the word
Breaking news‼
@opill_otc
, the first-EVER over-the-counter birth control pill in the US, is now available for pre-order online, and will be on store shelves later this month! But at $19.99/pack, there is more work to do to ensure equitable access. #FreeThePill
After 20 years of advocacy, research, and movement-building by the #FreeThePill coalition, the first-ever over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill will soon be a reality in the United States! But w/ a suggested retail price of $19.99/pack, more needs to be done to ensure access.