BOSTON — For some women, it is especially welcome news in the wake of the Supreme Court overturning Roe.
For the first time in 63 years, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an over-the-counter oral contraceptive — enabling women easier access to birth control by removing the need for doctor involvement. The medication is known as Opill. Its manufacturer expects it will be in stores next year.
Young women in Boston praised the FDA’s decision.
“I think it’s really hard, sometimes, for people that don’t have access to health insurance to go to the doctor for the right prescription that they need,” said Jackie Coquillete. “For me, as a young woman, it’s really important to see this happening and this is good for the future.”
“I think it allows women to feel empowered in their health care and their choices,” said Meg Radunich. “Which is always a good thing.”
The approval of Opill comes at a time when many women may be feeling anything but empowered about their own health care. While abortion rights remain intact in Massachusetts — a majority of states have imposed a range of restrictions on the procedure.
“I think it’s really, really good for all women to have access,” said Jalayne Mitchell. “It’s kind of important to have protection — especially with the way things are in our country.
Opill is a progestin-only drug. Its efficacy rate is about 98 percent — but only when taken on a consistent schedule. Like all oral contraceptives, Opill has side effects, the FDA says, but they are generally mild.
One precaution: Opill should not be used in women who have or have had breast cancer. A recent study found the use of progestin-only contraceptives raised the risk of breast cancer 20-30 percent.
Erica Sammarco, a student at Northeastern University, thinks Opill is headed for success.
“It’s not going to work for everybody,” she said. “But for a lot of people, I think it will make (birth control) more accessible.”
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