AMA Urges FDA to Make Oral Contraceptives Available Over the Counter

The AMA’s press release urging the FDA to approve over-the-counter sales will revolutionize accessibility to oral contraceptives. Female contraceptives in the United States are offered in numerous different forms. 

According to the CDC, as of 2017, 13.9% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 use oral contraceptives — commonly referred to as the Pill — as a form of birth control, making it the most used form of contraception. Currently, oral birth control can only be received with a prescription from a licensed medical professional.  

Female contraceptives continue to be the go-to form of birth control due to limitations on male birth control. Despite several ongoing studies being developed, no oral male birth control has been approved for public use. 

Recently, the environment surrounding contraception in the US has been uncertain. The Supreme Court of the United States has been considering overturning Roe v. Wade, which legalized medical abortion in 1973. This looming decision has caused many to question the future of contraceptive access. Many individuals already have limited access to abortion healthcare and are forced to travel upwards of 50 miles to obtain care. 

Yesterday, the AMA followed the guidance of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) in urging the FDA to approve the over-the-counter sale of oral contraceptives without the application of an age restriction.  

“Access is one of the most cited reasons why patients do not use oral contraceptives, use them inconsistently, or discontinue use. Expanding OTC access would make it easier for patients to properly use oral contraceptives, leading to fewer unplanned pregnancies,” said AMA Board Member David H. Aizuss, MD, in a recent AMA statement. 

According to the CDC, as of 2011, 45% of pregnancies were unplanned. Despite this percentage being an improvement since 2008, certain populations are disproportionately impacted by unplanned pregnancies. These populations include but are not limited to women between the ages of 18 and 24, women living in poverty, and black women.  

According to the Cleveland Clinic, when used perfectly, oral contraception has a 99% efficacy rate in preventing unwanted pregnancy. Inconsistent use of the pill reduces efficacy to 91%. Approval for over-the-counter sales will remove one of the barriers to accessibility.  

Several organizations — including the HHS — are already advocating for increased accessibility to reproductive healthcare. 

While the Pill does have some adverse side effects, the most common are typically mild. In their previous statement, ACOG mentions that there is no need for a physical exam before the use of oral contraception. The AMA and ACOG agree that “the health risks of pregnancy vastly outweigh those of oral contraceptive use,” as declared by AMA Board Member David H. Aizuss, MD, in the announcement. 

With recommendations put forward, women and healthcare professionals will await a final ruling from the FDA regarding regulations on oral contraception.