OR greenlights pharmacist-prescribed birth control

According to reports, over-the-counter birth control pills will be soon available in OR as pharmacists are now allowed to prescribe birth control pills to qualifying women.

But the women of OR and California got an unexpected New Year gift – OR a belated Christmas present – in the form of a new law.

There are still some restrictions, however. Women below the age of 18 are still required to fill out a health questionnaire which will be used by the trained pharmacist to decide whether to write a prescription or not.

Pharmacists will have to undergo a mandatory session for prescribing the birth control pills. An interesting fact is that pharmacists can refuse to make prescriptions if they have religious reasons, however, they will need to refer women to another place or to another employee.

The news seems good for feminists that over-the-counter birth control means more choice for more women, breaking the cycle of visits to doctors holding the pill hostage out of habit.

That is the part of the law that has its critics concerned. Cervical cancer, after all, is the easiest reproductive system cancer to avoid that can be prevented through regular visits to the doctor.

Despite the passing of the new law, women are still advised to visit an OB-GYN regularly, which has raised some concerns; some believe this would discourage younger women from receiving check-ups from their doctor. The pills can be sold to women if they qualify, based on the questionnaire.

Having to consult with a doctor before going on the pill was meant to offer the opportunity for an open discussion about the benefits and disadvantages of the pill, but that didn’t happen in a lot of cases.

According to OregonLive, the basic rituals like pumping gas to voting to preventing unwanted pregnancy are about to change all throughout Oregon.

And you can blame (or, fine, thank) Gov. Kate Brown and the Oregon Legislature.

The set of laws removes a great obstacle in getting birth control, and it makes it easier for women to go on the pill, something that has enjoyed plenty of controversy in the U.S.in recent years. Over 300 bills passed by lawmakers in 2015, will come into effect on January 1, 2016. “Really, they’re two different things we’re addressing”.