"FDA Greenlights OTC Birth Control Pill, Empowering Women's Reproductive Choices"

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill in the United States. The pill, called Opill, is a "mini-pill" that uses the hormone progestin. Its manufacturer, Perrigo, hailed the FDA's decision as a "milestone" and a "giant leap for women's empowerment." Opill is expected to be available in stores in early 2024. Advocates stress the importance of insurance coverage for the pill and hope it will help reduce unintended pregnancies, which account for almost half of the 6.1 million pregnancies in the US each year.