The relevance of the first over-the-counter birth control pill in U.S.

Subject: Science and Technology

Section: Health

Context:

The U.S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) on July 13 approved the first birth control pill that can be purchased over the counter without prescription.

What is Opill?

Opill’s story goes back to 1973 when norgestrel was first approved for use in the U.S.
The Opill, or the ‘mini pill’, is a progestin-only pill (POP) using a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone called norgestrel.
The typical combination birth control pill contains a formulation of both progesterone and estrogen.
Opill uses low doses (0.075-milligram) of progestin to thicken the cervical mucus and thin the uterus’s lining, blocking the sperm from the cervix. POPs also stop ovulation in some cases (40% of women continued to ovulate).
The nonprescription approval means the over-the-counter pill for women will be made available in pharmacies.
OPs are advised for those with breast feed, are estrogen-intolerant, have a history of blood disorders, high blood pressure and heart problems.

FDA advisory:

The FDA advises against using Opill alongside hormonal birth controls — oral contraceptive tablet, vaginal ring, contraceptive patch, contraceptive implant, contraceptive injection or an intra-uterine device (IUD).
Like other minipills, Opill is not an emergency contraceptive (which prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex).
FDA scientists previously flagged that the minipill is not suitable for people with a history of breast cancer and undiagnosed vaginal bleeding. Other side effects include irregular menstrual bleeding, headaches, decreased libido, dizziness, nausea, acne, increased appetite, abdominal pain, cramps or bloating, per the FDA.
Medicines that interact with Opill can result in decreasing its efficacy, potentially resulting in unintended pregnancy.

Indian scenario:

India made birth control pills an over-the-counter drug in 2005 to tackle unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
India offers access to OTC pills and has extended abortion care to women irrespective of marital status, but contraceptive use remains the lowest among women from marginalised communities.
The National Family Health Survey-5 found the burden of family planning responsibility falls mostly on women.
Although abortion is legal, a report found 67% of abortions in India are unsafe.
Entrenched stigma, shortage of doctors, public health gaps feed into contraceptive inequities.