Availability Of Birth Control

[Storm]

Should birth control be available over the counter? Why or why not?

 

[Trey of Diamonds]

What kind of birth control? Condoms are readily available over the counter. If you are talking about the pill then I would have to say unsure because I don't know the health issues concerning the pill or many other forms of birth control for that matter. Anything that carries a certain amount of risk to health should require a prescription.

 

[Storm]

Sorry for the confusion. I meant self-administered bc medications, like the pill or ring. Obviously condoms are already OTC, and other forms require a trip to the dr. (IUDs, shots).

 

[Nepenthe]

Well, as you two have pointed out, not necessarily over the counter as in non-prescription since a contraceptive like the Pill may have adverse effects and the individual woman taking it should have her doctor verify a specific type is correct for her.
But yes, all birth control should not only be readily available but free. Accessible contraception would mean a decrease in STDs, pregnancies- not to mention that there's a causal link between the Pill reducing the risk of ovarian cancer.

So a conditional "yes".

 

[Trey of Diamonds]

Sorry for the confusion. I meant self-administered bc medications, like the pill or ring. Obviously condoms are already OTC, and other forms require a trip to the dr. (IUDs, shots).

Then I have to answer no. Anything that could have adverse health risks should include a consultation with a doctor. However, I will say that I give this answer in complete ignorance of the facts. If there exists medical contraception that has no health impact, or say no more of a health impact than any other OTC med then I would agree that it should be OTC.

 

[Wandered Off]

Was the timing of this question by chance related to the FDA's decision today to allow 17-year-olds to get the 'morning after pill' without parental consent?

WASHINGTON – Women's groups cheered the government's decision to allow 17-year-olds to buy the "morning-after" emergency contraceptive without a doctor's prescription, but conservatives denounced it as a blow to parental supervision of teens.

FDA to allow 'morning-after' pill for 17-year-olds

 

[Storm]

That's probably what I overheard on the morning news, but I was only half listening.

 

[Zephyr]

Well, as you two have pointed out, not necessarily over the counter as in non-prescription since a contraceptive like the Pill may have adverse effects and the individual woman taking it should have her doctor verify a specific type is correct for her.
But yes, all birth control should not only be readily available but free. Accessible contraception would mean a decrease in STDs, pregnancies- not to mention that there's a causal link between the Pill reducing the risk of ovarian cancer.

So a conditional "yes".

What this dude said.

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Then I have to answer no. Anything that could have adverse health risks should include a consultation with a doctor.

For straightforward matters, I'm personally okay with that consultation being with a pharmacist instead of a doctor.

However, I will say that I give this answer in complete ignorance of the facts.

Same here. I don't know enough about the potential side effects of birth control medications to say. If it's universally safe enough, then I'd say it shouldn't require a prescription. However, given what I've heard about its effects, especially its potential interactions with other medications, I think a doctor needs to be aware of whether a patient is taking contraceptives; if that means that it needs a prescription, so be it.

My basic feeling is that it, like other medications, should be dispensed at a happy medium between reducing inconvenience and ensuring safety. I don't know enough about birth control to say where that point should be.

However, in the case of emergency contraception, because time is such a critical factor, I think it should be available over the counter. I think that relying on the pharmacist as the expert is the best approach, all things considered.

 

[Wandered Off]

I am conflicted about the parental consent issue. On the one hand, as a parent, I think I have the right to provide input into the medications my minor daughter obtains.

On the other hand, I understand the potential problems such a requirement could impose on girls whose parents might cause more problems than they solve in the situation.

 

[Trey of Diamonds]

I think that relying on the pharmacist as the expert is the best approach, all things considered.

As a diabetic I deal with my pharmacist pretty closely and I gotta tell you, I would trust him to water my plants, even if they were cactus. My total concern is safety, if they can be dispensed safely then I'm all for it. But don't leave safety in the hands of the pharmacist, they are not universally competent enough to fill this role. IMHO.

 

[DallasApple]

NO...hormonal BC should not be available "over the counter"..

Love

DAllas

 

[Storm]

OK, why?

 

[Comicaze247]

Well, as you two have pointed out, not necessarily over the counter as in non-prescription since a contraceptive like the Pill may have adverse effects and the individual woman taking it should have her doctor verify a specific type is correct for her.
But yes, all birth control should not only be readily available but free. Accessible contraception would mean a decrease in STDs, pregnancies- not to mention that there's a causal link between the Pill reducing the risk of ovarian cancer.

So a conditional "yes".

Seconded. I said no, since they should have a prescription, but I do believe that it should be free. It would probably raise our taxes or something, but I believe it would lead to fewer teen pregnancies (if they also get rid of the "abstinence only" "sex education" programs *shudder*)

 

[Enoch07]

If you make the pill an over the counter item you will see a decrease in teen pregnancy but a drastic increase in STD's. If they have the pill available they will not use the condom as much as they are supposed to. Teach your kids abstinence the only true 100% std proof pregnancy proof method, but also teach them the use of condoms so that if they do succumb to their desires, which we all know they probably will, they can atleast protect themselves from STD's and pregnancy at the same time.

My friend did the coolest thing ever with his son. When his son was 14 I think. He sat him down and said "Listen, I know you are at the age when you are starting to think of girls in more ways than just being friends. Trust me son if you can avoid having sex with them until you are married that is good, but if you cannot resist them atleast use this condom. So that you do not get sick and so that you dont get her pregnant". At which point he handed his son a pack of condoms. Sure enough the kid gave in and started having sex, but atleast he was being safe and made it thru his teen years STD and baby free.

 

[themadhair]

If you make the pill an over the counter item you will see a decrease in teen pregnancy but a drastic increase in STD's.

Not sure about this. The prevailing attitude among my generation was always to do both.

 

[Buttons*]

I think so, but over an age limit. I'd say 21 and up, a woman should be able to buy her pills and other contraceptives over the counter. There's no reason why not. If problems occur, then one can see a doctor. I had a doctor that gave me a stupidly high dose of BC and I went crazy on it. So... I don't think that doctors are always right or that they actually know what's going to happen in an individual's body. I think that mandatory woman and men checkups should be administered at 18, but from there, it's your life.

 

[DallasApple]

OK, why?

I think you should have a physical exam for one.To rule out pregnancy or any medical conditions that may make it dangerous for you to take.And I know doctors arent perfect and they screw up too..but there are different strenghts.Also I think its better to consult a doctor as to other medications you may be taking that you shouldnt be taking the pill with. There are some medications that lower the effectiveness of hormonal BC to an extent its pretty useless to even take it.

Also with a young person(a teenager) I wouldnt think it safe to trust them they will use it responsibly or read the "fine print".I think they need an adult to express how to use it right and some of the risk factors.

As to the morning after pill?..I think thats a little different..Isnt that considered "emergency BC"?..IOW it isnt meant to be used as your routine BC?

Is that the same thing as "plan B"?

Anyway with the pill I just dont think its worth the risk without a physical exam.And its not like you cant get any kind of BC OTC that doesnt carry such risk.Obviously there are condoms.But a woman can also purchase spermacide strips.And when used properly are just as affective as the pill.

Love

Dallas

 

[ChristineES]

I don't know. Some women have no problems with the pill, but then there those (like me) who have weird side effects if they take them. I get PMS symptoms for the entire month instead of just 2 days- which is not good for me or those around me. (I have tried several different kinds, too)

 

[Panda]

I am conflicted about the parental consent issue. On the one hand, as a parent, I think I have the right to provide input into the medications my minor daughter obtains.

On the other hand, I understand the potential problems such a requirement could impose on girls whose parents might cause more problems than they solve in the situation.

In America adults have control over their childs health needs until they are 18?! I think in Scotland since I was 10 I have had the right to confidential health care without my parents having any input or any knowledge.