ALBANY, N.Y. — Women can now purchase birth control without a prescription in New York State.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald signed an order that allows pharmacists to dispense three types of hormonal contraception without a prescription. Officials say this measure will help make it easier for people who do not have a primary care provider to get safe contraception at their local pharmacy easily.
“At a time when reproductive rights are under attack, New York State will continue to fight for every individual’s right to access the health care they need,” Governor Hochul said. “Starting a family is a deeply personal decision and New York State will always be a place where people can access safe and effective contraceptives.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State continues to expand access to contraception options and break down longstanding barriers to reproductive care that persist across the nation. This is about access to care and individual autonomy. By issuing a standing order to allow pharmacists to provide hormonal contraception medications, more people can choose the right reproductive care for themselves and the right time for them to have a child. New York State will continue to fight for reproductive rights and advance health equity through meaningful measures that broaden access to care for all. In partnership with the State Education Department, we will work with our licensed pharmacist professionals over the next several weeks so they’re ready to provide these important contraception medications.”
The three types of hormonal contraception available to purchase that are approved by the FDA to prevent pregnancy are:
• Oral hormonal pill
• Hormonal vaginal ring
• Hormonal contraceptive patch
Pharmacists who choose to participate can allocate up to 12 months of self-administered birth control of the individual's preference and covered under their insurance.
Pharmacists who choose to participate can dispense up to 12 months of a self-administered hormonal contraception of the individual's preference and covered under their insurance.
“New York pharmacists are pleased to once again join the state in expanding patients’ access to reproductive health care. Self-administered hormonal contraceptives are used by thousands of New Yorkers for a variety of reproductive health needs—including but not limited to the treatment of irregular menstrual cycle—as well as to prevent a pregnancy. A patient’s pharmacy is often more available and convenient than a physician’s office or reproductive health care office, especially when time is of the essence. Today’s emergency standing order further empowers pharmacists to play a vital role in the overall patient health care team, and we commend Governor Hochul, Commissioner McDonald and NYSDOH for cementing New York’s stance as a leader in reproductive rights for all," said Pharmacists Society of the State of New York Board President Leigh McConchie, RPh.
Customers should reach out to their local pharmacy for more information about if and when these services will be available.
For more information: Reproductive Health (ny.gov)
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