Do you think being able to obtain birth control without a prescription is a good thing?

A male friend posted a meme that read, “Starting Friday, women in California can get birth control without a prescription!!” There are a lot of different kinds of BC, but, for this purpose, lets assume they’re referring to The Pill. I’m checking on that as we speak.

I posted that I didn’t think it was such a good idea, any more than being able to get blood pressure meds, or any other powerful meds, OTC was a good idea.

When I was using the pill, in the 70’s – 90’s, I was able to call in a refill to the pharmacy myself, just like I do with my blood pressure meds. And, actually, they’re much more stringent about me going to the Dr. periodically for a check up when it comes to my blood pressure meds, than they were about birth control pills. Every six months they’ll cut me off until I go see the doc, or at least have him send them a fax Which is usually what he does and I don’t go in.

Obviously, since I had to go through a pharmacy a doctor had given me a prescription. But that’s no big deal. Most women go for well woman checks regularly anyway, so that’s a two-second conversation, a blip on the screen compared to the rest.

When I was in college, I went through a health clinic because I didn’t want my folks to know. It didn’t cost me anything. The pills were an expense, but I don’t remember how much.

I think FREE birth control would be a break through, but I don’t think OTC birth control is such a good idea.

What say you guys?