American Congress of OB-GYN Statement on Over The Counter Access to Contraception

September 9, 2014


Washington, DC -- John C. Jennings, MD, President of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, released the following statement regarding proposals to make contraceptives available over-the-counter to American women:

“Birth control is an essential component of women’s health care, and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists supports efforts to increase affordable, reliable access for American women to the contraceptives they need, when they need them.

“Because of this, ACOG supports making oral contraceptives available over-the-counter (OTC). OTC availability of oral contraceptives will help more women get the contraceptives they need, which have long been proven safe enough to use without a prescription – especially emergency contraception.

“We feel strongly, however, that OTC access to contraceptives should be part of a broader dialogue about improving women’s health care, preventing unintended pregnancies, and increasing use of contraception, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).

Over-the-counter access should not be used as a political tool by candidates or by elected officials.

“Regardless of any current or future proposals from lawmakers, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved oral contraceptives for over-the-counter use, and any future FDA approval for such use would likely cover only a subset of oral contraceptive formulations.

“Of course, cost continues to be a major factor in a woman’s consistent use of contraception, and many women simply cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs associated with contraceptives, OTC or not. That’s why ACOG strongly supports the Affordable Care Act (ACA) provision that mandates insurance coverage of birth control, as well as other preventive services, without cost-sharing for the patient.

“Separately, OTC access to oral contraceptives alone will not help to increase use of the most highly effective methods, such as intrauterine devices (IUD). IUDs are more effective than oral contraceptives, and because they can last for as many as ten years, they are also cost-effective. However, their initial out-of-pocket costs – which can near $1,000 – can be prohibitive for women who don’t have comprehensive insurance coverage.

“It is also important to note that over-the-counter access to contraceptives does not obviate the need for women to see their gynecologist each year. An annual health assessment is a fundamental part of medical care for all patients, including women, and allows women to discuss with their gynecologists their reproductive health plans, learn about birth control options other than oral contraceptives, and receive important preventive health services, such as vaccines.

“Recent political discussions on the importance of OTC access to contraceptives are welcome, but ACOG remains firmly in support of comprehensive strategies to increase adoption of more-effective methods and to provide all women with the contraceptives they need at no cost.”


From the Loudoun Times, 1.17.17
Republican Congresswoman Barbara Comstock has thrown her weight behind a bill that would allow women to buy birth control pills over the counter, without the need for prescriptions.

The Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Cory Gardner
(R-Colo.).

In the House, Comstock and Congresswomen Mia Love (R-Utah) introduced the companion legislation.

The act offers incentives to manufacturers of routine use contraceptives. The FDA filing fee for applying to switch contraceptives from prescription to over-the-counter would be waivered, and priority review would also be given to those switch applications.

The legislation would repeal the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) restriction on the use of health, medical, and flexible savings accounts to purchase over-the-counter drugs without a prescription. In addition, it would also repeal the ACA’s annual limits on flexible spending accounts (FSA) contributions.

Calling the act “straightforward,” Ernst said, “Women wear many hats in their increasingly busy, daily lives; they should have the ability to access routine use contraception directly from their local pharmacy.”

Comstock said she believes the act will give women greater access and ability to save for their health care needs.

She called the legislation “a common sense solution.”

“Allowing over-the-counter sales of oral contraceptives would enhance women’s access, put decisions in their hands, modernize the health care system and lower birth control costs,” Comstock said.

Something tells me if she did not support this bill...you would be posting shit here complaining of her lack of support for this important women's right bill.

I think you plan to post negative shit about her no matter what she does.

So go eat some shit and kill your self.

Have a nice day.