A drugmaker has asked U.S. regulators for approval for an over-the-counter birth control pill.
The pill would be the first one available in the United States over-the-counter (OTC) if the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the application from HRA Pharma.
The progestin-only daily pill could be obtained without a prescription if approval goes through.
“This historic application marks a groundbreaking moment in contraceptive access and reproductive equity in the U.S.,” Frédérique Welgryn, chief strategic operations and innovation officer at HRA Pharma, said in a statement. “More than 60 years ago, prescription birth control pills in the U.S. empowered women to plan if and when they want to get pregnant. Moving a safe and effective prescription birth control pill to OTC will help even more women and people access contraception without facing unnecessary barriers.”…