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John,
Birth control is a fundamental aspect of reproductive healthcare and with the introduction of the progestin-only birth control pill, Opill, next year, the U.S. will join over 100 countries that already offer this contraceptive over-the-counter.
Yet, despite the Affordable Care Act's coverage of prescription birth control, OTC options like Opill risk being sidelined since they aren't always covered by insurance, making them too expensive for many.
In fact, a staggering 88% of youth faced hurdles accessing prescriptions in 2022; 55% couldn’t secure pills, and a third were deterred by costs. The message is clear: access remains a barrier, and cost is a significant culprit.
So while Opill is a step towards making birth control accessible to all, it's only a half-step when economic barriers persist. We must ensure that OTC options like Opill aren't just available, but genuinely accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
Tell President Biden and his Administration to require insurance coverage of OTC contraceptives -- without a prescription.
Access to affordable contraception is fundamental to ensuring individuals have control over their reproductive choices. Being able to decide if and when to have children is pivotal for personal, educational, and economic reasons.
Unintended pregnancies can result in significant costs, both direct in terms of medical care, and childcare and indirect from lost wages and reduced educational opportunities. By providing insurance coverage for contraception, these costs can be substantially reduced for both individuals and families.
Contraception isn't just used for preventing unintended pregnancies. It's also prescribed for medical reasons such as regulation of menstrual cycles, treatment of endometriosis, and management of hormonal imbalances. That’s why making it affordable can have widespread health benefits far beyond family planning, enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life for countless individuals.
Right now, a significant gap remains in the coverage of over-the-counter (OTC) birth control by insurance. President Biden and policymakers must address this disparity.
Tell President Biden and his Administration to require insurance coverage of OTC contraceptives -- without a prescription.
Let’s continue fighting for reproductive freedom.
- Amanda
Amanda Ford, Director
Democracy for America
Advocacy Fund
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