Birth control pills should be available over-the-counter as they are that important, according to a leading group of women’s physicians.
Sex on Female First
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists take takes the stance in an opinion released yesterday and published in the December issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
They recommended that oral contraceptives be sold over-the-counter because prescriptions “an unnecessary barrier to contraception for women,” said Dr. Daniel Grossman, a California OB-GYN and researcher whose studies were cited.
“If we could improve access to a very effective and safe form of birth control, it would help reduce unintended pregnancies,” he told the Daily News.
The birth control pill has been one of the most studied drugs in the 50-plus years since it went on the market, and is considered highly safe for most women.
Dr. Waseem Khoder, an obstetrician and gynaecologist who is an assistant professor at Meharry Medival College told The Tennessean, that he does not think it’s a good idea because some women are at risk for serious complication. Birth control choices should be decided between women and their physicians.
Would you like to be able to get the pill over-the-counter?
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