Perspectives on an age restriction for over-the-counter access to oral contraceptives among women in the United States

When emergency contraception first became available over-the-counter (OTC), women under age 18 needed a prescription, despite evidence showing adolescents could use the medication safely. There is a growing movement for an OTC oral contraceptive (OC) in the United States. This study aimed to explore women’s views regarding an age restriction for an OTC OC.

From October to December 2011, we administered a nationally representative survey of U.S. women aged 18-44 who were at risk of unintended pregnancy to explore their opinions of an age restriction for an OTC OC. 2,046 women completed the survey. Weighted proportions were calculated and logistic regression was used to identify covariates associated with supporting an age restriction.

Overall, 26% of respondents supported an age restriction for an OTC OC; 28% were against an age restriction, and 46% were unsure. In multivariable analysis controlling for overall support for OTC access to OCs and for other covariates, women with less than a high school degree (odds ratio (OR) 2.5), a high school degree (OR 1.6), and some college (OR 1.6) were more likely than women with a college degree to support an age restriction for an OTC OC, as were women who were married compared to never married (OR 2.1), and women living in the Midwest (OR 2.1) and South (OR 2.1) compared to living in the West.

Most women (74%) either oppose the age restriction or could be convinced by appropriate evidence. There is a need to address women’s concerns through education and ongoing research.