AMA applauds FDA committee recommending over-the-counter birth control

The following statement is attributable to:
Jack Resneck Jr., MD
President, American Medical Association

“The AMA strongly supports removing the prescription access barrier to contraception by making oral contraceptives available over-the-counter. Given that access is one of the most cited reasons why patients do not use oral contraceptives, use them inconsistently, or discontinue use altogether, we are pleased that the Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee and the Obstetrics, Reproductive, and Urologic Drugs Advisory Committee voted unanimously today in support of allowing a progestin-only birth control pill to be available without a prescription.

“More than 60 years of safe and effective use of oral contraceptives have shown that the benefits of widespread, nonprescription availability far outweigh the limited risk associated with their use—with evidence showing that pregnancy poses much greater health risks. The data not only highlights the safety and efficacy of oral contraceptives, but also demonstrates that women are able to successfully use checklists to self-identify contraindications and determine whether they’re eligible and safe to use. While it is important for patients to have ongoing relationships with their physician and stay up-to-date on appropriate screenings and treatments, those are not necessary before starting contraception.

“At this tumultuous time for reproductive health in the United States, allowing access to OTC oral contraceptives is a safe and necessary step that must be taken to ensure that all individuals are able to effectively limit unintended pregnancies, particularly those with limited access to health care options. We urge the FDA to act swiftly to approve over-the-counter access to oral contraceptives without an age restriction.”