WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) joined Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) to introduce the Orally Taken Contraception Act of 2023 (OTC Act) to require the FDA to send guidance to manufacturers on how to submit successful over-the-counter applications for oral contraceptives.
“This week, the FDA approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill in the United States. Now more than ever, Congress must work to clarify guidelines and ensure a competitive oral contraceptive market that provides more options and lowers costs. This bill does exactly that,” said Rep. Kim. “The OTC Act aims to expand access to safe over the counter (OTC) oral contraception by ensuring the FDA follows clear guidelines for approving oral applications, offering streamlined guidance to manufacturers hoping to get an application approved, and simplifying approved contraception labeling to boost consumer awareness and minimize product misuse. Access to safe contraception can be essential for women’s health and wellness. As a mother of four – and to three daughters, I understand how important it is for women to have access to safe birth control, and I will work to support women on all levels.”
“We must streamline the process for accessing over-the-counter contraceptives,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “As a physician and former Iowa Director of Public Health, I recognize the need for increased and consistent access to contraception as well as a need for increased education surrounding 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.”
Reps. Kim and Miller-Meeks were joined in introducing the OTC Act by Reps. Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), and Stephanie Bice (OK-05).
Read the full text of the bill HERE.
