The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first over-the-counter hormonal contraceptive on the market last week. Opill, a single synthetic hormone pill manufactured by Perrigo Co., is expected to be available for purchase at pharmacies, convenience stores, grocery stores, and online.
Although the FDA states that “Opill is not for use as emergency contraception and does not prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex,” progestin, the single synthetic hormone in Opill, has two modes of action. It thickens cervical mucus to decrease the chances of sperm reaching the egg, but, in some cases, can also prevent implantation of a fertilized egg by thinning the uterine lining, subsequently acting as a chemical abortifacient.
The Catholic Medical Association, a group of 2,600 healthcare professionals, issued a same-day press release expressing “deep concern” about the FDA’s decision and deriding the organization’s negligence.
“This shows a total lack of regard for a woman’s health to offer a hormonal contraceptive available over the counter, without medical supervision,” said Kathleen Raviele, M.D., OBGYN on CMA’s Board of Directors. “Women should be seen by a physician to make sure a drug as potent as a birth control pill is safe for her to take. These women deserve authentic medical care.”
Ignoring Over-the-Counter Requirements
According to the executive director of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons Jane Orient, standard safety procedures are not being applied when it comes to making Opill available without a prescription.
“Over-the-counter products are supposed to be safe enough to be
