Press Release

Today, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) released the following statement on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approving the first-ever over-the-counter birth control pill available in the United States.

“The FDA’s approval of the first-ever over-the-counter birth control pill marks a historic victory for women’s health care and reproductive rights,” said Rep. Ami Bera, who previously served as Chief Medical Officer for Sacramento County. “In the face of relentless attacks on women’s health care by Republicans across the country, today’s decision will help eliminate barriers to contraceptive access, empower women to exercise autonomy over their family planning decisions, and improve the health and economic well-being of millions of Americans. As we celebrate this historic milestone, we must now work to ensure that over-the-counter birth control is not only accessible, but affordable. I urge Congress to pass my Affordability is Access Act which would guarantee that insurers fully cover over-the-counter birth control without any out-of-pocket costs to American families.”

Rep. Bera helped introduce the Affordability is Access Act, legislation that would ensure that once the FDA determines an over-the-counter birth control option to be safe, insurers fully cover over-the-counter birth control without any fees or out-of-pocket costs.

Since entering Congress in 2013, Rep. Bera has been an unwavering champion for women’s health care. As a physician, husband, and father, Representative Bera has long advocated for women's access to health care and has consistently opposed reckless legislation aimed at restricting women’s personal reproductive health care decisions. Bera received Planned Parenthood's Champions for Women's Health Award in 2015 for his leadership in advancing access to reproductive health care.