Easier access to birth control has been 'a long time coming'

By Lauren Gilger
Published: Wednesday, July 19, 2023 - 11:31am
Updated: Wednesday, July 19, 2023 - 11:32am

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Abortion-rights activists gather at the Arizona Capitol
Troy HIll/Cronkite News
Abortion-rights activists gather at the Arizona Capitol on June 24, 2022, to protest the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning Roe v. Wade.

In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, we’re seeing a surprising trend emerge: Birth control is becoming easier to get. 

Last week, the FDA approved the first oral contraceptive — a birth control pill called Opill — to be available over the counter. That means, soon enough, you’ll be able to find it on the shelf next to the Tylenol — and you won’t need a doctor’s prescription to get it. 

At the same time, here in Arizona, we saw a big change go into effect as well.

The Governor’s Regulatory Review Council gave final approval to a standing order from the state health department that means women will be able to get birth control without a prescription from a pharmacist. That includes the pill, hormonal rings and patches. 

Bré Thomas is the CEO of Affirm Sexual and Reproductive Health, a nonprofit that administers the family planning grant in Arizona. The Show spoke with her about the changes, which she said have "been a long time coming."

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