We welcome positive change from the FDA.  Young people need and want change that works for the benefit of public health to ensure safety and equity, and they will not tolerate stigma written into government policies.

Advocates for Youth condemns Missouri’s recently passed bans on gender affirming care for minors and on trans youth participating in sports.  The bill was passed with minimal debate after opponents were denied the right to speak.

Advocates for Youth commends the members of the FDA’s Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee and the Obstetrics, Reproductive, and Urologic Drugs Advisory Committee for following the science and recommending unanimously that a birth control pill be made available over the counter without age restriction.

“I’m thrilled the Advisory Committee saw through myths, misconceptions, and condescension today, and unanimously recommended the FDA bring a birth control pill over-the-counter without age restrictions,” said Debra Hauser, President of Advocates for Youth.

Advocates for Youth condemns the racist and anti-immigrant bills passed in Florida this week, including the new law barring Chinese citizens from purchasing land in Florida and a bill that makes helping an undocumented person a felony and forces hospitals to record the immigration status of patients.  These bills will deepen the harm Florida and other states continue to inflict on migrants. 

Advocates for Youth commends Maryland’s legislature and Governor Wes Moore for passing and signing into law bills which protect access to abortion and to gender-affirming care for transgender people.

Youth organizers working to increase access to contraception gather today to mark the FDA Advisory Committee meeting to discuss approval of Opill, an over-the-counter birth control product. Young people are leading the fight for access, and have already contributed hundreds of comments to the FDA in support of OTC status for birth control.