Insurance and access implications of an over-the-counter switch for a progestin-only pill

摘要

Unintended pregnancy is a public health concern, as well as an issue of personal significance for women, men and families, and is associated with increased risk of negative maternal and child health outcomes.Since 1980, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has touted the goals of reducing unintended pregnancy and increasing contraceptive use in its national Healthy People campaigns. However, little progress has been made toward achieving these aims, and innovative strategies to reduce unintended pregnancy are needed.Over-the-counter access to oral contraceptives has been suggested as one such strategy, and a progestin-only pill has been put forward as a potential first candidate. The progestin-only pill is potentially safer than combined oral contraceptives, and increasing its availability may help women use it consistently. An over-the-counter pill would also expand the range of contraceptive methods available to uninsured women.