One third of women in the U.S. who have tried to get birth control have had trouble getting a prescription when they need one.
Getting into a doctor to get the prescription is a major barrier, especially in a state like Idaho where a growing lack of physicians can make getting an appointment anytime soon very difficult. Lack of insurance, finding a pharmacy and not speaking English are other barriers to getting “the pill” when you need it.
The Food and Drug Administration has responded to this frustration by approving the first over-the-counter oral contraceptive. The pillwill be available at drugstores, grocery stores, online and even at your local convenience store.
Dr. Sarah Prager, a professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Director of the departments family planning division joined Idaho Matters to talk about the new pill and what it means for women.
