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How over-the-counter birth control pills could improve reproductive health

The change could remove barriers that can make getting this birth control option challenging

A photo of a woman holding a packet of birth control pills with two hands in front of her torso.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a birth control pill that is available over the counter rather than prescription-only.

Isabel Pavia/Moment/Getty Images Plus

By Aimee Cunningham

Updated

Editor’s note: This story was updated July 13, 2023, to reflect the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of a nonprescription birth control pill.

For the first time, people in the United States will be able to buy birth control pills off the shelf.