The Associated Press (“AP News”) reports that on Thursday (7/13/2023), regulators with the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approved the nation’s first over-the-counter (“OTC”) oral contraceptive (i.e., birth control pill) in a landmark decision that will soon allow American women and girls to obtain contraceptive medication as easily as they buy aspirin or eye drops.
The FDA cleared Opill to be sold without a prescription, making it the first such OTC birth control pill. The manufacturer, Perrigo, will begin shipping the pills early next year – with no age restrictions on sales. Hormone-based pills have long been the most common form of birth control in the United States; however, until now, all oral contraceptives required a prescription.
The AP News report may be read HERE.
The FDA’s website includes consumer information about Opill HERE.
My brothers and sisters, unless something changes between now and when Perrigo begins delivery of the Opill oral contraceptive to the United States early next year, this form of birth control will be available to even young, school-aged children without restriction.
Beyond the questionable wisdom of this regulatory decision, it’s concerning that a young girl who isn’t old enough to acquire an aspirin at most schools without parental approval will soon be able to walk to the local drug store (or other retailer) and simply buy birth control pills – without the consultation of a medical practitioner and without the knowledge of the girl’s parent(s)!
According to the FDA, the use of Opill may be contraindicated if the user is taking certain medications or may already be pregnant. Potential side effects including vaginal bleeding, nausea, tenderness and headaches, which if severe or persistent, should be addressed by a medical professional.
Human Life International has an article explaining the contraceptive and sometimes abortifacient outcomes of the use of abortion pills in general.
The Human Life International article may be read HERE.
A quick summary of the issue is that although birth control pills are primarily a contraceptive inhibiting conception by suppressing ovulation and secondarily making it difficult for sperm to penetrate and live in the cervix, they may also function as an abortifacient by causing changes in the lining of the uterus that inhibit the implantation of an already-fertilized egg. In other words and according to the Human Life International article, when ovulation is not prevented and fertilization takes place, the pill causes a “silent abortion.”
This is personal and difficult on many levels. There are, however, a couple things I can say with absolute certainty.
First, regardless of our gut instincts, we should take it to the Lord in prayer, asking for His wisdom in how to approach this matter in our own lives, our family members’ lives, and with our governmental officials.
Second, the presumed need for contraceptives to be readily available to young children clearly indicates a societal position that the teaching of abstinence has or will fail and that man knows best. I do not accept this. The scripture makes it clear that with Christ all things are possible for those who believe, and that we are to protect and teach our children the ways of the Lord. When mistakes happen, the Lord is quick to forgive when we repent, but approaching a matter of sin from the perspective of presumed failure does not demonstrate faith in God.
If you are willing, let’s pray. Father, we ask for the necessary understanding and proper interpretation of the scriptures (the bible) and the wisdom You bring us by the Spirit of God, so we would raise and guide our children well – in the fear of the Lord. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
Mark 10:27 (NKJV)
“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.'”
Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, [b]ut fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Psalm 34:11 (NKJV)
“Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”
Matthew 9:13 (NKJV)
“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Luke 15:7 (NKJV)
“I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”
Praise Jesus forevermore!