In July 2023, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved a birth control pill for over-the-counter use, meaning most consumers could buy it from a pharmacy without a prescription. The pill will likely be available sometime in 2024.

To learn more about the progestin-only birth control that’s approved for over-the-counter use, we talked with Dr. Amy Domeyer-Klenske. We discussed how the pill works, important safety considerations for people to know, and the remaining questions about how birth control without a prescription might affect availability and access for people in the U.S.

Dr. Domeyer-Klenske is an obstetrician-gynecologist, director of the UW Ob-Gyn Division of Academic Specialists in Ob-Gyn, and president of the Wisconsin section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

RESOURCES:

Progestin-Only Birth Control - American College of Ob-Gyns

FDA Approves First Nonprescription Daily Oral Contraceptive - US Food and Drug Administration

Over-the-counter birth control is coming. Here's what to know about cost and coverage - National Public Radio

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