Birth Control Pills (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)
Women’s reproductive rights has been an extremely hot topic of conversation recently following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, but it looks like there may be some positive news for women around the country courtesy of a new application. According to recent reports, the Food and Drug Administration just received its first-ever application for over-the-counter birth control pills.
@TheHill reports, earlier today the FDA officially received an application for the very first birth control pill to be accessed over-the-counter. Company HRA Pharma submitted an application for a daily birth control pill that is available without a prescription. Although the application has been formally submitted to the FDA, it will likely take several months to review it and make a final decision. This news comes on the heels of recent research revealing that 29% of women who attempted to get a birth control prescription had a problem getting one.
Speaking about the historic application, HR Pharma Chief Strategic Operations and Innovation Officer, Frédérique Welgryn, said “This historic application marks a groundbreaking moment in contraceptive access and reproductive equity in the U.S. More than 60 years ago, prescription birth control pills in the U.S. empowered women to plan if and when they want to get pregnant. Moving a safe and effective prescription birth control pill to OTC will help even more women and people access contraception without facing unnecessary barriers.”
The quest for over-the-counter birth control pills has been a long-standing issue in the U.S., as recently over 50 House Democrats wrote a letter to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf to tackle the issue back in March.
The letter partially read, “We urge FDA to review applications for over-the-counter birth control pills without delay and based solely on the data and defend against political interference during the review processes. The health and well-being of people capable of pregnancy across America is at stake.”
If the application is approved, it would be a monumental and historic step for women’s sexual health and reproductive rights.
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