On June 24, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade which protected abortion rights. Emotion flooded the nation as people celebrated and people mourned. Some states have already banned abortion. Many people are concerned about how the right to contraceptives will be protected and how some may be prevented from receiving certain contraceptives.
Right to Contraception Act
The bill (H.R. 8373), short titled the “Right to Contraception Act,” was passed in the House of Representatives on July 21. Congress found that “the right to contraception is a fundamental right, central to a person’s privacy, health, and wellbeing, dignity, liberty, equality and ability to participate in the social and economic life of the Nation.” However, it was later blocked. It is now up to states to define what they consider an unborn child and whether they also want to restrict contraceptives. President Joe Biden also placed an Executive Order to ensure access to reproductive health care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued guidance to pharmacies reminding them of their obligations under federal civil rights laws.
Pharmacists Refusing to Sell Birth Control
Some states allow pharmacists to refuse to sell prescription birth control or emergency contraception pills. Walgreens recently came under fire as customers claimed they had issues filling their prescriptions for birth control and buying condoms. Walgreens allows their pharmacists to not fill a prescription if they have a moral or religious objection.
According to USA TODAY, CVS has similar policies to Walgreens but added that “an objecting pharmacist must request an accommodation from CVS ahead of time and make arrangements to ensure patient care, either from a different pharmacist or elsewhere.”
In eight states, pharmacists are required to fill their prescriptions despite objections. These states are California, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, Washington and Wisconsin. In seven states, pharmacists can deny the prescription but must refer patients to another pharmacy. These states are Alabama, Delaware, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Texas.
If you are denied contraceptives, ask for a manager or another pharmacist who can sell you your prescription.
Types of Birth Control
There are many different types of birth control, and choosing the right one for your body is essential. Each type of birth control has a different efficacy rate.
Permanent Birth Control
Surgical procedures include bilateral tube ligation (“tying your tubes”), a tubal block, or a vasectomy. Most cannot be reversed for tubal ligation, but for vasectomies, almost all can be reversed. Permanent birth control prevents pregnancy 99 percent of the time.
IUD (Non-hormonal/Hormonal)
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small t-shaped device that fits inside the uterus and is 99 percent effective. It can last three to 10 years, depending on the chosen type. It is available in non-hormonal (copper) and hormonal (plastic).
Implant (Hormonal)
A small rod is placed under the skin in the upper arm and lasts for about three years. It prevents pregnancy 99 percent of the time.
The Shot (Hormonal)
An injection of progestin is given in the arm or the hip and lasts three months. It prevents pregnancy 99 percent of the time.
The Vaginal Ring (Hormonal)
A flexible ring is inserted into the vagina each month for three weeks and prevents pregnancy 99 percent of the time.
Patch (Hormonal)
A sticker-like patch is applied weekly anywhere on the skin and prevents pregnancy 99 percent of the time.
The Pill (Hormonal)
The pill is taken at the same time every day and prevents pregnancy 99 percent of the time.
Condoms (Non-hormonal)
Condoms are placed over the penis to stop sperm from entering the vagina. It prevents pregnancy 98 percent of the time. Insertive/female condoms are inserted into the vagina and prevent pregnancy 95 percent of the time. They are often the most affordable and accessible forms of birth control and protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Emergency Contraception (Hormonal and Non-hormonal)
Emergency contraception can be used up to five days after unprotected sex. It can either come in the form of a pill or a copper IUD. The longer you wait to use emergency contraception, the less effective it is when preventing pregnancy. It does not cause an abortion.
Spermicide
Spermicides have sperm-killing chemicals and come in foams, suppositories, or film. It is inserted into the vagina shortly before sex, preventing pregnancy 82 percent of the time.
Cycle Tracking
A woman tracks her monthly cycle and determines when they are least likely to get pregnant. This method prevents pregnancy 76 percent of the time.
Pull-out Method (Non-hormonal)
Withdrawal is pulling the penis out of the vagina before ejaculation. It prevents pregnancy 73 percent of the time.
Getting Birth Control Online
Purchasing your birth control online can seem strange at first. However, as states fight over the right to contraception, it is better to be on the safe side when it comes to getting birth control. Companies like Nurx, SimpleHealth, and Favor offer birth control options sent right to your door.
Nurx offers the pill, the morning after pill, shot, ring and patch and can help get a prescription at an additional cost. They offer free shipping with discreet packaging, accepting some insurance policies or charging as low as $15.
SimpleHealth offers to prescribe birth control pills, and the patch or ring with automatic refills is shipped free. They also offer emergency contraception with an order of birth control. The one-time consultation fee is $20 and birth control start at $7 monthly.
Favor offers emergency contraception, the pill and the ring. They offer low prices and free discreet shipping.
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