STATEMENT: First Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill Is a Victory for Women and Girls, Says CAP’s Emily Gee

Washington, D.C. — Today, drug manufacturer Perrigo announced Opill will be on shelves at retailers nationwide later this month, marking the first time in U.S. history that a daily hormonal birth control pill will be available for purchase over-the-counter at in-person and online retailers across the country. Emily Gee, senior vice president for Inclusive Growth at the Center for American Progress, shared the following statement in response to this news:

This is a historic day for women and girls across the country. The advent of over-the-counter birth control pills is one step toward women reclaiming their bodily autonomy and health care decisions at a time when the courts and MAGA extremists continue to attack women’s reproductive rights. The option for contraceptive pills without a prescription will help more women access birth control by reducing barriers of high costs, prescription paperwork, or needing to first see a health care provider.

Related resource:

• “5 Important Facts About Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pills” by Kierra B. Jones

For more information on this topic or to speak with an expert, please contact Sarah Nadeau at [email protected].