A Socio-Economic Comparative Policy Study Of Women's Access To Oral Contraceptives In The United States

Abstract

Aims and Objectives (i) To better understand women’s current access to oral contraceptive in the United States. (ii) Explore how women’s social and economic status can be improved with better access to oral contraceptives. (iii) Provide a policy suggestion as to how women’s access to oral contraceptives can be improved. Background This paper first provides a literature review of oral contraceptives, including the history and current regulations of oral contraceptives. A quantitative and qualitative study based off of a survey of adult women who currently use, have used, or would like to use oral contraceptives provides more empirical evidence as to why improved access to oral contraceptives is needed and what are the appropriate policy changes to be made. Design and Methods This study reports the survey responses of 93 adult women who use, have used, or would like to use oral contraceptives in the United States. Data were collected from the anonymous, consenting survey participants. All data and the analysis are backed by integrity. Results Access to oral contraceptives varies across the United States. Survey results find that women believe oral contraceptives should be easily accessible to all women either for free or at a reasonable cost. Insurance coverage and location play a role in the accessibility of birth control pills. Conclusion Oral contraceptive pills are not accessible and affordable for all women in the United States. Policy changes to consider include authorizing pharmacists to prescribe, increasing amount of pills dispensed at a single time, and making pills available over-the-counter.