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The Impact of Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pills on Women

The recent approval of over-the-counter birth control pills was the most remarkable

healthcare news that changed the birth control policy in the U.S. Before the approval of over-the-

counter birth control drugs, Americans were required to seek medical prescriptions for birth

control drugs from doctors. Previous drug regulations led to increased unwanted pregnancies in

the United States. The new drug policy on birth control by the Federal Drug Administration

(FDA) plays a pivotal role in the protection of birth control rights in women, which compromise

the life of female citizens in the U.S. Elimination of barriers in the birth control pills plays a vital

role in the protection of birth control rights among women in the U.S (Gupta, 2023). With the

new policy, American women are entitled to improved birth control freedom. Minimal

restrictions on access to birth control drugs cushion women against the severe risks of unwanted

pregnancies and deadly abortion procedures. Easy accessibility of birth control measures

empowers women to overcome unintended pregnancy, which hinders them from accomplishing

their dreams and securing solid positions in society.

The newly approved over-the-counter birth control pill has extreme benefits for

American women wishing to overcome unwanted pregnancies. According to Gupta (2023), the

approved Opill birth control has minimal risks to women since it only contains progestin

hormone. The progestin hormone in the pill minimizes various risks, such as shortage of breast

milk, cardiovascular issues, and cancer. Opill drug is relatively safer compared to other birth

control pills, which contain estrogen hormones that cause heart complications and breast milk

shortage. This drug triggers thick mucus, which seals the cervix, thus preventing the entry of

sperm into the uterus (Gupta, 2023). Its ability to seal the cervix significantly reduces the risk of

unintended pregnancy among patients taking the drug daily. Despite the discussed healthcare
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benefits, the Opill birth control drug has adverse effects among first-time consumers, which

include uterus bleeding, nausea, and headache. The drug has long-term sexual health benefits

since its side effects last for a few weeks.

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References

Gupta, A. (July, 2023). A Birth Control Pill Will Soon Be Available Without a Prescription.

Here’s What to Know. The New York Times.