The approval is a major win for medical groups, including the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which have been pushing for years for an over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill.
"This is a monumental decision," said Dr. Melissa Simon, a professor of clinical gynecology at Northwestern University.
"OTC birth control is available in over 100 countries, so we've been behind in availing safe, effective methods such as this oral contraceptive pill to individuals who are trying to avoid pregnancy.".
Almost half of the 6.1 million pregnancies in the U.S. each year are unintended, according to the FDA.
The medication is expected to be available at drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores and online, according to the FDA.
Still, ultimately, the FDA committee agreed most women could make their own decisions whether the medication was appropriate for them.
Over-the-counter birth control pills are already in more than 100 other countries, according to Free the Pill, an advocacy group dedicated to educating about birth control. »
