FDA Approves the First Ever Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill

Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first ever over-the-counter birth control pill, Opill.

Opill was first approved by the FDA as a prescription drug. Now that it is approved for over-the-counter sale, more women and girls in the U.S. will have the ability to prevent unintended pregnancies without a prescription.

The contraceptive will most likely be available at drugstores, convenience stores, grocery stores and online retailers in the U.S. by the start of next year, according to the pill’s manufacturer, HRA Pharma. The pill will also not have any age restrictions.

The cost of Opill has not been disclosed yet, which will determine what percentage of the public can afford it.

CNBC reported, “Opill could significantly expand access to contraception, especially for younger women and those in rural and underserved communities who often have trouble getting their birth control.” It could also cut down on the number of negative outcomes linked to unintended pregnancies.