ACOG Recommends Over-the-Counter Access to Oral Contraceptives

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), one of the nation's leading authorities on women's health, has endorsed over-the-counter (OTC) access to oral contraceptives (OCs). Having reviewed the relevant literature, the ACOG Committee on Gynecologic Practice recognizes that unintended pregnancies often result from gaps in contraceptive use. Better access (e.g., availability of multiple pill packs) has improved continuation rates.

The committee opinion also notes that women can effectively self-screen for potential contraindications to OC use. Although all medications carry some risk, the chance of serious adverse events attributable to OC use is no greater than that for many medications, such as acetaminophen, that are c…