Over-the-Counter Oral Contraceptives

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recognizes that unintended pregnancies are a major public health concern, accounting for approximately 50% of U.S. pregnancies. Access and cost are commonly cited reasons why individuals with a uterus have gaps in contraceptive use or do not use contraception. While oral contraceptive pills are widely considered to be safe and effective medications, they continue to require a prescription for use, further restricting access. The AAFP recognizes that though contraindications to these medications do exist, individuals with a uterus have been shown to correctly self-identify contraindications to use when using a standardized check-list. 

Over 100 countries around the world currently provide oral contraceptive pills over the counter without a prescription. The AAFP supports over-the-counter access to oral contraception without a prescription and encourages the ongoing monitoring of patients by their family physician, especially those who are at risk for complications. Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, private insurance must cover all contraceptive methods approved by the FDA. The AAFP supports insurance coverage of oral contraceptives regardless of prescription status in all insurance plans. (2014) (September 2024 COD)