ICYMI: Cortez Masto Meets with Nevadans to Discuss Need to Ensure all Nevada Women Can Access Birth Control Without a Prescription

ICYMI: Cortez Masto, Murray, Hirono, Rally for Over-The-Counter Birth Control, Reintroduce Affordability is Access Act

March 5, 2024 - Washington, D.C. – On Monday, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) released the following joint statement on Perrigo’s announcement that Opill—the first-ever birth control pill to be available over the counter in the United States—is launching online and headed to store shelves this month. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for Opill will be $19.99 for a one-month supply and $49.99 for a three-month supply. The FDA approved Opill in July, paving the way for it to be sold without a prescription in the U.S. In July, the three lawmakers led a letter to Perrigo, the manufacturer of Opill, urging the company to release a low and affordable retail price and begin broad distribution of the product as soon as possible. 

“This is a true milestone for birth control access across America, which is fundamental to women’s equality and women’s ability to plan their lives on their own terms,” Senators Cortez Masto, Murray, and Hirono said. “Access to over-the-counter birth control is now more important than ever after the Dobbs decision opened the floodgates for Republicans to rip away reproductive rights, pass dangerous abortion bans, and go after emergency contraception and other forms of birth control—all of which are happening.”

“The availability of Opill on shelves and for online order is a huge step forward that will make accessing birth control so much easier for so many women—especially women who live in rural areas, lack reliable transportation, or are uninsured. The work doesn’t stop here—more needs to be done to make sure every American can access and afford the pill over the counter,” the senators continued. “A big part of that is making sure that Opill is fully covered by insurers, with no prescription barrier or extra costs—our legislation would make this a reality, and it’s needed now more than ever now that Opill is hitting the shelves. We’ll be pushing hard to pass the Affordability is Access Act and continue fighting to make sure everyone who needs access to birth control can get it, regardless of their income.”

Senator Cortez Masto has been a fierce advocate for women’s reproductive rights. Senators Cortez Masto, Murray, and Hirono lead the Affordability is Access Act, bicameral legislation that would require insurers to fully cover any FDA-approved over-the-counter birth control option—without any fees or out-of-pocket costs, and without a prescription requirement. Cortez Masto has sent multiple letters urging the Biden administration and health insurers to fully cover FDA-approved over-the-counter birth control methods. After the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Senator Cortez Masto introduced the Freedom to Travel for Health Care Act to ensure legal protections for women traveling across state lines to receive reproductive care. She has urged the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to protect the data privacy of women seeking reproductive health care.
Source: Senator Catherine Cortez Masto