Hey John,

We got big news on over-the-counter birth control pills today! Shipments are out, and you should start seeing Opill on the shelves at your local drugstore this month! They will also be for sale online starting March 18th!

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And the best part? Just like condoms, Advil and Emergency Contraception, you don't have to show ID to buy Opill. Remember, we fought hard for no age restrictions, and we won!

Now, there is a caveat. Today, the prices were announced as:

$19.99 for a one-month supply
$49.99 for a 3 month supply
$89.99 for a 6-month supply

While this is just one birth control option, and you can still get a prescription and have your birth control pills free if you have insurance, these price points are still a disappointment to our movement of young people who fought so hard for this day.

Maia Lopez, a 17-year-old member of our #FreeThePill Youth Council spoke to The New York Times and The Guardian. She had this to say:

“After years of organizing for over-the-counter birth control, I’m thrilled that young people like me will finally be able to access Opill without a prescription. As a high school student in Texas who struggled to get on the pill under the current system, and faced social stigma while trying, I know firsthand how important it is to ensure young people can walk into a store and easily access the contraception they need.

While today is a huge step forward, the price is still steep for many teenagers I know. I don’t want Opill to be inaccessible to people who already face barriers from strict contraceptive policies. Our work is not done until every young person can afford and access Opill.”

So what's next? Advocates for Youth has been working to get the Biden Administration to issue guidance requiring Medicaid and private insurance to cover over-the-counter contraception like Opill. That fight will only heat up now, so stay tuned.

In addition, we are pushing Opill's manufacturer to create a robust consumer assistance and donation program. Today, Opill announced "A cost-assistance program will also be available in the coming weeks to help qualified low-income, uninsured individuals obtain Opill® at low or no cost." We will be monitoring this closely and will not give up this fight until everyone can access Opill.

In solidarity and gratitude,

Geoff Corey
Director, Campaigns & Rapid Response
Advocates for Youth

Advocates for Youth is a national nonprofit working to protect
young people’s sexual reproductive health and ensure their rights.
Visit www.advocatesforyouth.org to learn more.

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