Hormonal Contraceptives Soon to be Accessible As Over-the-Counter Drugs in California

A new law will soon allow women to buy hormonal contraceptives like pills, patches and rings directly from pharmacists without a doctor's prescription in California and Oregon.

The lawmakers are considering to make it legal in a few months, as most countries in the west require a doctor's prescription for getting hormonal contraceptives. The method of dispensing contraceptives directly by pharmacists is said to be more convenient and potentially less expensive option than going to the doctor.

‘Pharmacist-prescribed contraceptives are considered to be a more convenient and potentially less expensive option than going to the doctor.’

Women need to just fill out a questionnaire about their health and medical histories given by pharmacists to obtain the contraceptives. Pharmacists will be authorized to prescribe contraceptives after this quick screening process.

Many reproductive health experts have come to support pharmacist-prescribed contraceptives, convinced that pharmacists can safely dispense contraception without a doctor's prescription and that women can assess their health risks on questionnaires.

California's law has no age restriction but in Oregon teenagers under 18 must obtain their first contraceptive prescription from a doctor.

Source: Medindia