Last Week in Sexuality: FDA Approves First OTC Birth Control

July 13th, the FDA announced it had approved the first over the counter birth control called Opill. It is expected to be available in March 2024. It is a pill meant to be taken daily.

I think this is a vital step for reproductive justice, especially in a post-Roe v. Wade world. The removal of having to see a doctor in order to obtain birth control makes it much more accessible for people who don’t have access to see a doctor. It also empowers young people to make decisions about their bodies without the intervention of parents. While there is still a long way to go (free birth control for all!) in the fight for reproductive justice, this is an important step nonetheless.