Access to contraception empowers people to decide whether and when to become pregnant, influencing their health and well-being and supporting their reproductive autonomy. Contraception is widely used in the United States—the pill is the most common method, while an increasing number of people are using other hormonal methods. Many people could benefit from increased access to these methods. “Pharmacy access” laws authorize pharmacists to prescribe contraceptives, which can make contraceptive care more accessible and affordable by eliminating the need for a separate visit to a health care provider to obtain a prescription. Importantly, pharmacist prescribing of contraceptives has been proven to be safe and effective.
In 2016, states began to implement pharmacy access policies for contraception. The language of the laws varies: Some do not name particular methods, some mention specific methods such as the patch or the pill, and some refer to the broader category of self-administered hormonal contraceptives. These laws usually allow any individual to seek contraceptive care at a pharmacy, although some prohibit or limit access for those who are younger than 18. Some states require pharmacists to receive training in contraceptive care. State requirements differ, but patients may receive one or more of the following: educational materials, counseling from the pharmacist or a self-screening risk assessment tool that determines their eligibility for a particular method. Pharmacists in states where these laws have been passed can choose whether to provide contraceptive care, although some states also explicitly allow pharmacists to opt out.