Should oral contraceptives be available without a prescription from a doctor in NH?

March 19, 2017

If passed, SB 154 would make oral contraceptives available without a prescription.

According to the bill, pharmacies, including mail-order pharmacies, could dispense oral contraceptives "to persons 18 years of age or older without a prescription after an initial consultation with a licensed or certified health care provider."

The products would only be dispensed by pharmacy employees and would not be accessible by the public without the assistance of a pharmacy employee. The package would also contain a warning label: "WARNING: Use of oral contraceptives carries the risk of side effects. Consult your physician before use.”

Opponents of the bill cite concerns with costs, restrictions on age, and transparency related to protocols for pharmacies and consumers. Some have also expressed concern at the administrative logistics behind pharmacists writing prescriptions as well as counseling and evaluating patients.

Supporters, however, argue that women should have the same access to contraceptives as do men. Others cite research in which an increase in pharmacist involvement in patient care improves outcomes, increases adherence, and decreases costs.

A related bill in the House is proposing to form a commission to study the proposed policy and questions about protocols and implementation.

Do you think oral contraceptives should be available without a prescription from a doctor in NH? Join the discussion in the comments below.

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Comments

Seth

March 19, 2017

Right now, doctors are gatekeepers to medication. I don't like that.

I want doctors to be health advisors. But ultimately, I want health decisions to be made by individuals. If a person wants to take extra risks by self-prescribing, so be it. Some of them will be eliminated by Darwinianism.

Then again, it's quite possible many health insurers will prevent members from self-prescribing. If they make themselves sick by self-prescribing, their insurance policy could become null and void.

Free-markets. That's what I want.

Kevin

March 25, 2017

Modern oral contraceptives have a long record of safety and effectiveness. I believe they, as well as plan B "morning after" pills, should be available over the counter (no prescription, no pharmacist, no age limit).

Jackie

November 29, 2018

Update: SB 154 ended up passing this year, which means oral contraceptives will be available from a pharmacy without a prescription starting January 2019.

Chuck

December 7, 2018

Yes. This is a no-brainer. The opposition viewpoints listed are flimsy. It's simple and would be no different than a customer asking for the Sudafed that's stored behind the counter to limit meth addicts.

Should oral contraceptives be available without a prescription from a doctor in NH?

Comments

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