Arizona governor greenlights over-the-counter birth control

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) has expanded access to over-the-counter birth control that will “soon be available to Arizonans,” according to a press release.

Arizonans 18 and older will soon be able to go to their local pharmacy and purchase oral contraceptives without a doctor’s prescription.

Hobbs, in announcing the move Thursday, called reproductive freedom essential to individuals and families “working hard to create a life for themselves in Arizona.”

“I will never stop fighting to protect freedoms for Arizonans and standing up to the extremists who threaten access to the basic healthcare our families rely on,” Hobbs said.

The order goes into effect immediately, but those wanting oral contraceptives will have to complete a screening and blood pressure test. Hobbs also encouraged Arizonans to call their pharmacy ahead to make sure the contraceptives are available.

Birth control medication is already available over-the-counter in Oregon, California and Washington, D.C. More than 20 states have statutes that allow pharmacies to dispense FDA-approved hormonal contraceptives without the need for a prescription, per a statement from the Arizona Department of Health Services.

At the federal level, the Food and Drug Administration has endorsed the over-the-counter drug Opill, saying the risks of unintended pregnancy far outweighed any risks associated with the drug.

In addition, President Biden signed an executive order to increase access to contraception and family planning late last month, in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.