Your Say: Easier access to birth control pill?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has set off a controversy by recommending that birth control pills be sold over the counter. Comments from Facebook:

Birth control pills should absolutely be sold over the counter. A prescription should not be required, but an initial consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist should be required. There should also be a minimum age so teens don't misuse them. For women, I say yes. For little girls, I say no.

Scott Keefe

I think I'd be worried about teenage girls experimenting with regular birth control pills to come up with something that mimics morning-after pills. Also, oral contraception doesn't protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.

What about counter indications? Although a box can contain a leaflet, it's just too small to read. You'd be surprised how many women are still asking online about what to do when they've missed a pill or two.

Also, what if over-the-counter birth control pills aren't covered by health insurance? If so, how will this really help those who are in the low-income bracket?

Amanda Price

I like "behind the counter" dispensing, and not requiring a prescription. The pharmacist can inform before dispensing. I currently must do this to buy Sudafed, mainly to prevent methamphetamine makers from buying it in bulk to then illegally reformulate it.

Richard Ovens

Letter to the editor:

As an OB-GYN, I applaud the efforts of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to increase access to contraception ("Make the pill more accessible," Opposing view, Oral contraception debate, Nov. 28).

Offering the pill over the counter would reduce barriers many of my patients face in their quest for birth control. I recently saw a 16-year-old with an unplanned pregnancy. She had wanted to take birth control pills, but when she called to see a doctor and obtain a prescription, she was told that the next available appointment was three months away. If the pills had been available over the counter, she could have started them when she needed them, possibly preventing her pregnancy. Now, as a sophomore in high school, she must decide what to do.

We must give young women a better chance at protecting their health and their futures.

Jennifer Lesko, M.D.; Boston