The XX Factor : OTC birth control

More on the Pill-Selling Over the Counter

Emily Bazelon — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:11:00 GMT

An answer from Slate medical columnist Amanda Schaffer to my question about why the Pill is a prescription drug. Amanda supports, with caveats, Kerry's argument that oral contraceptives should be sold over the counter: The downside risks of the pill (strokes,...(read more)

In Defense of OTC Birth Control

Kerry Howley — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:55:00 GMT

Emily and Torie , my grasp of the regulatory issues is imperfect, but it’s my understanding that a drug company would have to apply for over-the-counter status through the FDA. (I've never heard a single plausible medical justification for keeping birth...(read more)

The Trouble With OTC Birth Control

Torie Bosch — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:37:00 GMT

I, too, applaud the move to make Plan B available over the counter for 17-year-olds, but, Kerry , I have to raise one problem that could accompany making hormonal birth control OTC: insurance. Many insurance plans don't cover OTC medication, unless it's...(read more)

Plan B and the Bush Science Monkeys

Emily Bazelon — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:25:00 GMT

Kerry , interesting point about making regular birth-control available without a prescription. I wonder what the medical reasons for classifying it as a prescription drug are—do you know? In the meantime, I'm relishing Monday's Plan B decision as a rare...(read more)

Plan B for Teens

Kerry Howley — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:35:00 GMT

Back during the ridiculous brouhaha over access to the morning-after pill, regulators compromised by making the pill available without a prescription only to women of 18 years of age or older. A federal judge, noting that this restriction is arbitrary...(read more)