Birth control reduces the number of unwanted pregnancies

Women should have more options when it comes to taking control of their own reproductive health. Many women are often put in difficult situations because they do not have the proper resources to ensure their safety and to prevent pregnancy. By making birth control available over the counter, the number of unwanted pregnancies would decrease. Studies have shown that over half of unintended pregnancies are caused by not using contraceptives, or an inconsistent use of birth control. While birth control pills are not always 100% effective, only 5% of women have unintended pregnancies while taking the pill. ^[1]If birth control methods like the pill were more easily accessible, these numbers would likely decrease dramatically. Teen pregnancy numbers would drop significantly as well. Many believe that teens are not responsible enough to take birth control, and that it should not be so easily accessible to these populations. The reality is, teens will engage in sexual activity whether they have access to birth control or not. By making the pill more accessible, teens will be more likely to use it. There are several forms of contraception that are easily accessible in any CVS or Walgreens pharmacy, but birth control pills are a preferred method for a majority of women. Taking the pill once a day is easy, and gets rid of the stress of having to worry about an unintended pregnancy.