About the Movement
Each of us should have the freedom to make decisions about our own bodies and lives with dignity and respect, free from barriers and stigma. Birth control pills are an important part of the full range of sexual and reproductive health care.
They’re also one of the best-studied medicines on the market today. But despite 60+ years of proven safety and effectiveness, people in the United States still face barriers to access.
Since 2004, a growing movement has been underway to make birth control pills more accessible by breaking down these barriers and building evidence and support for bringing birth control pills over the counter (OTC) in the United States.
What are the barriers to birth control pills?
-
Prescription requirement
-
Not having a regular health care provider
-
Time away from school or work to visit a provider
-
Limited hours of on-campus clinics
-
Transportation to a provider’s office
-
The cost of a provider visit
-
Lack of insurance coverage
-
Parental consent requirement
These barriers to birth control—and health care in general—are deeply rooted in systemic racism and other forms of discrimination and oppression.