HOUSTON – Opill -- the first over-the-counter birth control pill -- is now available for purchase in the United States as online sales rolled out on Monday, according to a report.
The birth control is available online and Amazon for $49.99 for 84 tablets, which is a three-month supply. Once purchased, consumers can expect to receive their daily contraceptive within a day or two.
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Opill distinguishes itself by containing only one hormone, norgestrel, and is estrogen-free. When used according to instructions, Opill boasts an impressive 98% effectiveness rate in preventing pregnancy. It stands as a convenient option particularly suited for individuals lacking health insurance or regular access to medical services, as it eliminates the need for a doctor’s appointment or prescription.
Although initial shipments of Opill have been dispatched to distributors, major drugstores, and pharmacies earlier this month, customers may experience delays before securing the product. This delay is attributed to the logistical process involved, including the arrival of shipments at distribution sites, subsequent delivery to retailers, and preparation for online orders or shelf placement.
That timeline includes shipments arriving at distribution sites and then being delivered to retailers, and then the retailers either packaging the product for online orders or placing it on store shelves.
Several major retail pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens, have expressed intent to offer Opill once they receive their shipments.
Do Texas women and girls have access?
Regarding access for Texas women and girls, no states have enacted measures restricting Opill access. However, concerns have arisen following the 2022 US Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, which nullified Roe v. Wade and revoked the constitutional right to abortion.
Age restriction for birth control in Texas
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a Texas law requiring parental consent to obtain contraception for minors.
The decision from a three-judge panel of the federal appeals court in New Orleans largely affirms a 2022 ruling from U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Amarillo, that ended one of the only avenues for Texas teens to confidentially obtain birth control, through federally funded family planning clinics. Since 1970, the federal Title X program has provided free contraception to anyone regardless of age, income or immigration status.
The 5th Circuit panel, which heard the case last year, found parental consent required for minors’ medical treatment under the Texas Family Code does not conflict with federal law that allows U.S. teens to obtain contraception confidentially at federally-funded family planning clinics.