Over-the-Counter Contraception
Over-the-Counter Contraception
Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills, are widely used and highly effective. However in most of North America and Western Europe, women need a prescription for them. This makes it harder for some people to get birth control, especially if they cannot easily get to a clinician. Our research has found that most women who use or will use contraception are interested in getting it over-the-counter. Many who are not using birth control would be more likely to do so if they could access it over the counter.

Research & tools
See allNovember 9, 2022
Pilot label comprehension study for an over-the-counter combined oral contraceptive pill in the United States
Grindlay K, Key K, Bradford R, Amato C, Blanchard K, Grossman D. Pilot label comprehension study for an over-the-counter combined oral contraceptive pill in the United States. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health. November 2022; DOI: 10.1363/psrh.12214.
November 9, 2022
Interest in Continued Use After Participation in a Study of Over-the-Counter Progestin-Only Pills in the United States
Grindlay K, Key K, Zuniga C, Wollum A, Blanchard K, Grossman D. Interest in Continued Use After Participation in a Study of Over-the-Counter Progestin-Only Pills in the United States. Women's Health Reports. November 2022; DOI: 10.1089/whr.2022.0056.
October 21, 2022
Experiences using a progestin-only pill in an over-the-counter environment in the United States: a cross-sectional survey
Grindlay K, Key K, Zuniga C, Wollum A, Grossman D, Blanchard K. Experiences using a progestin-only pill in an over-the-counter environment in the United States: a cross-sectional survey. BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health. October 2022; DOI: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2022-201637.