FDA to consider pharma company’s application for over-the-counter birth control pill

in the U.S., used by millions of women since the 1960s. They have always required a prescription, generally so health professionals can screen for conditions that raise the risk of rare, but dangerous, blood clots.

A one-month dosage of hormonal birth control pills is displayed in Sacramento, Calif., Aug. 26, 2016. HRA, based in France, said Monday that removing the prescription requirement would improve access to the contraceptive method, which is "more effective at preventing pregnancy than all current methods" that are available over the counter. "For many, a birth control pill may be the best option for them but requiring a prescription is an unnecessary obstacle that can put it out of reach," obstetrician-gynecologist Melissa Kottke said in a statement.

HRA's application comes amid legal and political battles over women’s reproductive health. However, the company started gathering data necessary to submit the application to the FDA seven years ago. The company told FOX Business that the news happened to come after the recent Supreme Court decision to

States should have the authority over whether to approve the drug in their jurisdiction.

Insurance companies won't have to pay for it anymore..

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Company seeks FDA approval for 1st birth control pill women could buy without prescriptionIf the FDA grants the request, women would be able to buy the pill from HRA Pharma over the counter, similar to common pain relievers. The only reason this won't get approved is if insurance companies lobby against it birth control pills may prevent pregnancy- but... they don't stop STDs (a condom is still required) & more importantly- they cause breast & uterine cancer.- SayNoToBirthControlPills
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