Perrigo Pharmaceuticals has announced that Opill, the over-the-counter birth control pill approved by the FDA, has shipped to retailers and will soon be available to purchase in stores and online.

In response, Debra Hauser, President of Advocates for Youth, issued the following statement:

“This is a day of celebration for youth activists and the coalition of organizations who made over-the-counter birth control possible through their years of hard work and commitment.  Having an OTC option for birth control pills is incredibly important and long overdue. We know that the far right will continue to attack and limit access to reproductive health care, and we need to ensure young people have everything they need to lead healthy lives and plan their futures. Activists will continue working to ensure young people have access regardless of income. We need insurance coverage for Opill as well as a strong and youth-friendly donation and assistance program.”

Youth activists around the country also welcomed the news of Opill’s availability. Maia Lopez, a 17-year-old #FreethePill Youth Council member from Texas, shared the following reaction: 

“After years of organizing for over-the-counter birth control, I’m thrilled that young people like me will finally be able to access Opill without a prescription. As a high school student in Texas who struggled to get on the pill under the current system, and faced social stigma while trying, I know firsthand how important it is to ensure young people can walk into a store and easily access the contraception they need. While today is a huge step forward, the price is still steep for many teenagers I know. I don’t want Opill to be inaccessible to people who already face barriers from strict contraceptive policies. Our work is not done until every young person can afford and access Opill.”

For Immediate Release: March 4, 2023

Contact: Eleanor Naiman, eleanor.naiman@advocatesforyouth.org