Tag: Reproductive rights

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), unintended pregnancy rates in the U.S. remain higher than in most other developed countries. Understanding **why would a doctor deny birth control** is crucial for patients navigating reproductive healthcare, as the reasons are often complex and varied, ranging from valid medical concerns to ethical or institutional barriers.

The first birth control pill, Enovid, was initially approved by the FDA in 1957 not as a contraceptive, but to treat severe menstrual disorders. It would take another three years, until 1960, for the FDA to officially approve it for contraceptive use, forever changing reproductive healthcare.

In July 2023, the FDA approved the first daily oral contraceptive for over-the-counter use, Opill. This development, with Opill becoming available in early 2024, addresses the question: 'Is there an over-the-counter birth control pill?'.

According to the Guttmacher Institute, medication abortion accounted for 63% of all U.S. abortions in 2023, surpassing in-clinic procedures. This shift in usage prompts the question: What is the most recommended abortion pill, and how does it work effectively and safely for early pregnancy termination? The standard of care involves a two-drug regimen, but alternatives exist depending on availability.

As of early 2024, CVS Pharmacy is now certified to dispense Mifeprex (mifepristone) in select states, but it cannot be purchased without a prescription. The availability of Mifeprex at CVS is strictly controlled by federal regulations and is dependent on state law.

Since 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has permitted the sale of Plan B One-Step and its generic equivalents to individuals of all ages, completely removing previous age restrictions. This means there is **no age limit for Plan B** when purchasing it over-the-counter.