Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Should birth control be for sale over the counter?
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Yes, OTC birth control should be for sale

As the number of women taking birth control increases, questions are raised as to why it is not available over the counter. Many countries offer birth control over the counter, while others do not, including the United States. Making birth control available over the counter comes with many benefits, such as convenience, a reduced number of unwanted pregnancies, long term health benefits, and access for low-income populations.

Supporting arguments · 3

  1. Birth control has long-term health benefits
    Aside from reducing the risk of unwanted pregnancies, birth control has a number of health benefits. Women do not always seek out birth control as a contraceptive. Birth control is also used to regulate menstrual cycles, relieve symptoms of PMS, and help reduce the risks of uterine cancer and ovarian cysts.
  2. Birth control reduces the number of unwanted pregnancies
    A majority of unwanted pregnancies are caused by the absence or misuse of birth control. Over the past few years, the rate of teen pregnancies has lowered due to the increased use of contraceptives, including the pill. By making birth control pills available over the counter, as well as other birth control methods, the number of unwanted pregnancies would decrease.
  3. Low-income populations need access to affordable birth control
    In order to obtain a prescription for birth control, women must consult a doctor first. Many women are without health insurance, and visiting a doctor is not always cheap or convenient. By making birth control accessible over the counter, the number of unwanted pregnancies would decrease in lower-income populations, as well as other health issues.