Over-The-Counter Birth Control Now Available in Oregon, California

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Birth control pills would soon be readily available over-the-counter (OTC) in some U.S. states, but Oregon is already implementing the rule.

The new law was enforced at the start of year 2016. This means that women who live in Oregon need not obtain a prescription for birth control pills and patches.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed the bill last July and it took effect on Jan.1, Newsweek reported. Oregon is the first state to enforce such law, which is considered an unpopular decision since many politicians, at that time, were fighting against free access to contraceptive pills, the news outlet added.

According to Bustle, women usually need to set an appointment with their doctor, get examined physically and have their prescriptions filed at the drugstore before they can finally get their hands on the contraceptive pills.

However, with the ruling, Oregonians don't have to go through that hassle as long as the woman is at least 18 years old, WGNO reported.

Under the state's new law, licensed pharmacists should receive the appropriate training before they can consult female patients who want to get birth control pills. In addition, once the pharmacist dispenses the pills, she needs to make sure that the patient gives details about her primary doctor for follow-up.

Women should note that birth control pills do not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases and they also have their own set of side effects.

Meanwhile, the same OTC ruling for birth control pills applies to California. However, it won't take effect until March and it was also noted that age restrictions like in Oregon don't apply in California.

The California ruling was signed in 2013 by Governor Jerry Brown, Newsweek reported. It took this long to enforce it because the state's Board of Pharmacy has been preparing protocols, which had been finalized in summer.

Not only will California women get ready access to hormonal birth control but also nicotine patches and other prophylactic medications, the news outlet added.

Although the new ruling will allow women to get the pills and patches over-the-counter, they will still need to complete a health questionnaire and submit to blood pressure tests.

With birth control pills made accessible, it doesn't mean that women should no longer seek preventive health care, according to Oregon Health and Science University's Dr. Alison of Edelman.

"It's still incredibly important to get preventative health care, even if you're getting your medications directly from a pharmacist, your birth control directly from a pharmacist," Edelman told 3News.