The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has decided that the benefits of oral contraceptives sufficiently outweigh the side effects and risks that they should be made available without prescription:
Even though no drug is risk-free, the overall consensus is that OCs are safe. There is a risk of blood clots with OC use, but it is extremely low and significantly lower than the risk of blood clots during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The College points out that aspirin and acetaminophen are both available OTC even though they have well-known health risks.
It’s about time. Pull the trigger, lawmakers.
Via Feministing.