Rep. Hinson Introduces Bill to Speed Up Over-the-Counter Access for Birth Control Pills
While this bill has support from several House members, reproductive health bills often face heavy debate and struggle to pass through a divided Congress.
Pharmaceutical companies that manufacture oral contraceptives could benefit from waived FDA fees and faster review timelines when seeking OTC approval. This lowers the financial and administrative barrier to bringing OTC birth control products to market.
“The Secretary shall waive the fee under section 736(a)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 379h(a)(1)) with respect to a supplemental application that receives priority review under subsection (a).”
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Natural Resources, and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
GOP lawmakers have reintroduced the Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act. The legislation seeks to increase access to daily oral contraceptives for adults by incentivizing companies to seek OTC status through priority FDA reviews and fee waivers.
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) is leading the Senate version of a bill to speed up OTC birth control approval. While Republicans frame it as an expansion of access, some Democrats argue the bill's age restrictions and lack of insurance mandates fall short of true reproductive freedom.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act
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