Two U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panels said the benefits outweigh the risks. They agreed that people would use the medication known as Opill safely and effectively and said groups such as adolescents and those with limited literacy would be able to take the pill at the same time every day without help from a health care worker.

The FDA doesn’t have to follow its advisers’ advice, but it often does. It is expected to decide whether to approve the over-the-counter pill this summer.

If it’s approved, this will be the first birth-control pill available over the counter in the United States. Opill is a “mini-pill” that uses only the hormone progestin.

Governor Kathy Hochul signs legislation expanding access to reproductive health care (May 2, 2023)

Birth control is now available over the counter in New York State.

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation to expand access to hormonal contraception by making it available over the counter, particularly assisting marginalized populations who may not have a primary care provider, but do have access to a local pharmacy.

Hochul also signed legislation that requires every SUNY and CUNY campus to provide access to abortion medication to their student body either by employing or contracting with authorized individuals who may prescribe abortion prescription drugs, or by providing students with information and referrals to providers authorized to prescribe abortion medication.