FDA approves first over-the-counter birth control pill in US
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the first over-the-counter contraceptive pill, paving the way for millions of women in the country to purchase birth control without prescription.
The approval comes as more states ban abortion following a ruling by the Supreme Court last year that overturned the Roe v. Wade decision to legalize the procedure nationwide.
The daily contraceptive Opill, sold by Perrigo (PRGO.N), was first approved for prescription use in 1973, and the over-the-counter approval allows people to obtain it without first seeing a healthcare provider.
Perrigo will next week share its pricing plan for the pill, which will be available in stores and online in the first quarter of next year.
"Today marks an important step in the drive toward meaningful access to essential healthcare for Americans," Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement.
The approval will help women overcome barriers to obtaining contraceptives such as the cost and time of a healthcare provider visit, transportation and finding childcare during the appointment.