Over-the-counter pill has improved access to birth control, OHSU study says

The Food and Drug Administration approved the sale of over-the-counter birth control pills two years ago. The decision has dramatically increased access to contraception, according to a new study from Oregon Health & Science University. 

Researchers found that more than a quarter of participants who were using the over-the-counter pill had switched from using no birth control at all. They also found that members of the over-the-counter group were more likely to be uninsured and live in rural areas than participants who used prescription birth control.

Maria Rodriguez is the director of both the Center for Reproductive Health Equity and the Center for Women’s Health at OHSU. She joins us with more on the importance of removing barriers to reproductive health care.

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