Oral

Safety and effectiveness data support over-the-counter availability of oral contraceptives, but significant questions remain about whether moving oral contraceptives will increase access, especially among low-income women or women without access to health care services, and whether clinicians and policy makers will support over-the-counter provision. In this panel, we will review safety and effectiveness data, share information on clinician concerns and perspectives, discuss how to address the concerns of women’s groups and describe how low-income women could potentially be adversely affected by a switch. Recognize diverse perspectives is critical to ensuring that any change in availability fulfills the promise of expanding access and improving women’s health and autonomy.

Session Objectives: 1) Describe the safety and effectiveness of oral contraceptives, and compare adverse events experienced during pregnancy 2) Identify the validity of clinicians related to OTC provisions of OCs 3) Analyze costs and benefits of over-the-counter access to oral contraceptives 4) Discuss how making oral contraceptive pills available over-the-counter might improve women’s access to the Pill and make it easier to use.

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing