Congresswoman Barbara Lee Celebrates FDA Approval of First Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12) issued the below statement on the FDA’s approval of the first over-the-counter birth control pill in the United States.
“This is amazing news. For far too long, contraception was unavailable to those who don’t have access to health care or the means to see a doctor regularly. This has disproportionately impacted low income people and people of color, who have historically faced higher barriers to health care. Making the pill available over-the-counter allows women to take back control over their reproductive health, bodies, and lives.
“This is a win for health equity, but we have more work ahead. 9 states have already restricted access to emergency contraception, and this is just the beginning. We must pass the Right to Contraception Act to guarantee and protect access to affordable, safe birth control. Until the right to contraception—and the right to an abortion—are enshrined in law, the fight for true reproductive justice continues.”