Pharmacists release new recommendations for contraceptive access

Groundbreaking report proposes solutions to overcome barriers and enhance contraceptive access at pharmacies

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the Contraceptive Access Initiative (CAI) released a new report, “Accessible Consumer Choices: Shaping the Future of Contraceptive Care at Pharmacies.” The report identifies key barriers and proposes solutions for creating more accessible pathways for consumers to obtain contraception.

The primary recommendation from pharmacy leaders is to establish a federal mandate for insurance coverage of over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptives.

“The endorsement of a new, nationwide standard for over-the-counter contraception insurance coverage is historic,” said Dana Singiser, cofounder of CAI. “If implemented, millions of people would gain affordable access to contraception.”

The report evaluates the impact and feasibility of these recommendations. It is intended to guide policymakers, patient advocacy groups, and pharmacies/pharmacy organizations in implementing changes and forming partnerships to ensure and expand access to affordable contraceptive care at pharmacies.

The top recommendation from the report is to implement a “uniform federal requirement to cover [OTC] contraception.” Other recommendations include public education to inform consumers about the availability of OTC contraceptives, minimizing cost barriers to OTC contraceptives at other locations, and expanding pharmacists’ authority to prescribe hormonal contraceptives in states where it is not currently permitted.

“Pharmacists routinely provide accessible care to patients in their local and extended communities. The recommendations from this report provide guidance to state and federal policymakers for maintaining and increasing equitable access to OTC and prescription hormonal contraceptive options from pharmacists at the consumer’s local pharmacy,” said Brigid Groves, PharmD, MS, vice president of professional affairs at APhA. “We encourage implementation of these recommendations to increase access to and coverage of pharmacist-provided hormonal contraceptive ordering and dispensing.”

The summit, held at APhA Headquarters in Washington, DC, on February 28, 2024, brought together experts from both the public and private sectors to address challenges faced by pharmacists and consumers in improving contraceptive access. Recommendations, which were formulated during the summit and through a subsequent survey, focus on overcoming common obstacles to providing and accessing contraception.

For more information, or to schedule an interview to discuss the report or contraceptive access broadly, please contact Loretta Kane (loretta@caminopr.com).