About two years after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill, new research shows the option is expanding access for people who previously lacked contraception — especially those without health insurance.
The pill, sold under the brand name Opill, was approved in July 2023 and began reaching pharmacies in March 2024. Major retailers including CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart now stock it at $19.99 for a one-month supply, $49.99 for three months, or $89.99 for six months.
A study published in JAMA Network Open surveyed nearly 1,000 people ages 15 to 45 from April 2024 to February 2025. More than a quarter of those using Opill — 26.2% — had not been using any modern form of birth control before. Researchers found uninsured people were among the most likely to choose the over-the-counter option, with cost and convenience driving their decisions.
Lead author Dr. Maria Rodriguez, of Oregon Health & Science University, said uninsured individuals often face steep barriers to obtaining preventive care because seeing a doctor for a prescription requires time, money, and clinic access. By removing that hurdle, Opill “is reaching the populations that need it most,” she said.
Survey respondents often cited the ease of buying contraception without scheduling or paying for a medical appointment. The availability of Opill comes as the U.S. faces a maternal health crisis and, in many states, limited abortion access.
Opill is a progestin-only “mini-pill” that is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy when taken daily at the same time. Unlike combination pills, it does not contain estrogen, making it suitable for a wider range of users. Approved without age restrictions, it represents a milestone in U.S. reproductive health policy, long available in more than 30 other countries.