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About half of women who initiate oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) discontinue use during the first year. Over-the-counter availability could promote continuation by lowering barriers to access; however, such access might allow women with contraindications to obtain OCPs. In two 9-month studies in El Paso, Texas, researchers used baseline and periodic surveys to assess rates of continuation and contraindications in women (age range, 18–44; primarily Mexican-born) who obtained OCPs by prescription from a city clinic versus over the counter in neighboring Mexico.
At baseline in the continuation study, most women reported that they intended to use OCPs for longer than 1 year. At 9 months, 119 of 474 prescription users (25%) and 97 of 466 over-the…