Eastern Shore Times

WASHINGTON, DC: On July 18,2023, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) announced she has introduced the Orally Taken Contraception Act of 2023 alongside Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) in order to increase access to over-the-counter birth control. Last week, in a landmark decision, the FDA approved the first-ever over-the-counter oral contraceptives to be sold without a prescription.

“As a primary healthcare provider, I strongly support expanding access to contraception,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this commonsense bill to help make oral birth control available over the counter. Birth control not only prevents unwanted pregnancies but is also an important aspect of healthcare for women. I will continue to be an advocate for increased access to contraception and for ensuring women have the resources they need to choose life.”

“We must streamline the process for accessing over-the-counter contraceptives,” said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. “As a physician and former Iowa Director of Public Health, I recognize the need for increased and consistent access to contraceptives. The Orally Taken Contraception Act of 2023 provides options for women seeking preventative contraceptive therapies and is a significant step forward for health care.”

Specifically, the Orally Taken Contraception Act of 2023 requires the FDA to send guidance to manufacturers on how to submit successful over-the-counter applications for oral contraceptives, expands access to over-the-counter contraceptives by increasing regulatory clarity to promote competition, and provides women with options for preventative health care. Additional original cosponsors of the bill include Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14), Young Kim (CA-40),  Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), and Stephanie Bice (OK-05).

You can read the full bill text here.

Original source can be found here