Amanda Nakhul, Biomedical Sciences c/o 2027

Reproductive rights, specifically abortion, has been a topic of contention for decades. From being pro-choice or pro-life, to debating the circumstances that permit abortion, various opinions have surfaced. Amid these opinions is one of the most critical issues: access. Contraceptive access can make or break a woman’s choice to have an abortion and plays a major role in preventing unintentional pregnancies. According to the National Institutes of Health, “of women who had ever tried to get a prescription for hormonal contraception… 29% reported ever having problems obtaining a prescription or refills.

This is reality for women regardless of whether they reside in conservative states, such as Indiana, or liberal states, such as New York. Recently, New York Governor Kathy Hochul passed legislation allowing pharmacists to provide hormonal contraceptives without a prescription. Though this action has pushed the state towards women’s healthcare access, there are still points of concern.

First and foremost, to understand the importance of contraceptives, civilians need to acknowledge what exactly contraceptives do. Hormonal contraceptives are methods of birth control that utilize one’s hormones to regulate or completely pause ovulation, thus, preventing unwanted pregnancy. The hormones released in the body typically consist of progesterone, its synthetic form, progestin, and estrogen. As mentioned in the New York State Website, “the standing order signed by the State Health Commissioner pertains to three types of self-administered hormonal contraceptives that are approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration to prevent pregnancy, which include the following: oral hormonal pill, hormonal vaginal ring, hormonal contraceptive patch. Oral hormonal pills are taken once daily, hormonal vaginal rings are left in for three weeks and removed for one week, and hormonal contraceptive patches are worn for one week. These methods are proven to be highly effective and provide benefits beyond preventing pregnancy, such as regulating periods, reducing menstrual-related pain or discomfort, and lowering the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers. Unfortunately, like all medications, there are risks. In the case of hormonal birth control methods, women may experience nausea, weight gain, or mood changes.

Now that this law has passed in New York, pharmacies can dispense these forms of contraception without a prescription which eliminates an obstacle for women. Without needing a prescription, they can take control of their health immediately. Thus, relieving anxiety, especially for individuals who may not have regular access to healthcare. In rural areas, it is common for many people to lack insurance and be unable to visit a doctor. Because of this, pharmacies are their primary access to healthcare. This is a notable and revolutionary step towards expanding reproductive health care. New York’s decision to pass this legislation represents their pro-choice demeanor and advocacy of women’s freedom. 

For college and university students, having access to hormonal contraceptives without a prescription is important. Students who may be living far from home and dorm in New York, or are New Yorkers without proper health insurance, are all susceptible to unintended pregnancies and should have the resources they deserve. Also stated on the New York State website, “Governor Hochul also signed legislation in May 2023 to ensure that every student enrolled in a SUNY or CUNY college has access to medication abortion on campus. Not only would a doctor’s appointment be challenging to acquire, but time is limited.

In conclusion, the standing order in which oral hormonal pills, hormonal vaginal rings, and hormonal contraceptive patches are available without prescription is a remarkable step in increasing reproductive access for women. If women, teens, and adults are informed about what they can do with their bodies, the law can assist in providing more autonomy.

References:

1. Grindlay K, Grossman D. Prescription Birth Control Access Among U.S. Women at Risk of Unintended Pregnancy. Journal of Women’s Health. 2016;25(3):249-254. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2015.5312
2. Governor Hochul Announces New York Pharmacists Can Now Provide Hormonal Contraception Without a Prescription | Governor Kathy Hochul. https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-new-york-pharmacists-can-now-provide-hormonal-contraception-without
3. Following Fifth Circuit Decision Attempting to Limit Access to Medication Abortion, Governor Hochul Emphasizes New York Will Be “Safe Harbor” for All Who Seek Abortion Care. Governor Kathy Hochul. Published 2023. Accessed September 16, 2024. https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/following-fifth-circuit-decision-attempting-limit-access-medication-abortion-governor-hochul