File photo of birth control pills (Photo by Tim Matsui/Getty Images)
Posted: 11/20/2012
WASHINGTON - The nation's largest group of obstetricians and gynecologists says birth control pills should be sold over the counter, like condoms.
Tuesday's surprise opinion from contraception's gatekeepers could boost longtime efforts by women's advocates to make the pill more accessible.
But no one expects the pill to be sold without a prescription any time soon.
Meanwhile, in El Paso, researchers studied 500 women who regularly crossed the border into Mexico to buy birth control pills, where some U.S. brands sell over the counter for a few dollars a pack. Those researchers found that over nine months those women stuck with their contraception better than another 500 women who received the pill from public clinics in El Paso.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Health Headlines
A new coronavirus has now claimed 22 lives worldwide out of 44 lab-confirmed cases, mostly in Saudi Arabia, World Health Organization officials said Thursday.
Researchers are finding even more ways that mobile phones impact -- and reveal -- our well-being.
Lifestyle News
Is sweet corn on your menu this Memorial day? Why not try grilling or roasting it? Let's Dish host Chris Koetke says charring the husk adds wonderful layers of flavor. Here is his twist on the summer favorite.