NWLC Reacts to Shipments of First Ever Daily Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill

Washington, DC – Today, shipments of the first ever daily over-the-counter birth control pill, Opill®, begin their distribution to retailers nationwide.

In response, Mara Gandal-Powers, Director of Birth Control Access at the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), issued the following statement:

“We are thrilled to see the launch of Opill®, which brings us one step closer to closing a gap in access to birth control. This means that more people will now have access to a form of daily birth control without needing advance prescriptions or appointments. 

We know that systemic barriers to accessing contraception, such as the high cost of Opill®, will make it unaffordable for many people. To ensure that Opill® and other over-the-counter contraceptives are easily accessible to everyone, it is critical that insurance covers them without any additional fees or the need for a prescription. The Biden-Harris administration must take action at the federal level to guarantee that all over-the-counter contraceptives, including Opill®, are fully covered without any cost-sharing requirements.

We are eagerly awaiting more information about Perrigo’s plans for a cost assistance program that supports those who may face financial or insurance-related barriers to accessing Opill®. It is crucial that such initiatives are in place to guarantee equal access to this essential healthcare product.”

Under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans must cover all FDA-approved, cleared, or granted birth control. If you’re still paying out-of-pocket for your birth control and other preventive health care, NWLC can help.

Please visit our CoverHer website to learn more.