The New York State Department of Health issued an order in late March to formally implement a new law establishing access to hormonal contraception from pharmacists without a physician’s order.
Both residents of New York and nonresidents can receive a 1-year supply of oral contraception, vaginal rings, or patches from participating pharmacies, which will provide consultation and counseling services.
State officials estimate that 85% of pharmacies will take up the new authority, which seeks not only to eliminate barriers to access, but to protect reproductive rights in the post-Roe landscape. More than 20 states have restricted or completely outlawed abortions since the U.S. Supreme Court repealed the landmark ruling that empowered women with a constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy. At least two dozen other states have preceded New York in granting pharmacists some capacity to dispense contraception without a prescription.