Public Opinion
Overwhelming public support for the pill OTC
There is an urgent and growing public outcry for increased access to contraception. (Impact Research, February 2024)
79% of likely voters view oral birth control favorably. (Impact Research, April 2023)
73% of likely voters support the birth control pill being sold over-the-counter. (Impact Research, April 2023)
77% of reproductive-age females support the birth control pill being sold over-the-counter. (KFF, 2022)
The groups most favorable toward the pill OTC include Hispanic women (81%), women under 50 (80%), mothers (78%) and Black women (77%). (Impact Research, April 2023)
Bipartisan public support for insurance coverage for the pill OTC
71% of likely voters support requiring insurers to cover the cost of OTC birth control pills. This includes majorities across Democrats, Independents and Republicans. (DFP, August 2023)
About a third of voters are vulnerable to misinformation about reproductive health
A 2023 DFP poll found that about a third of voters have false beliefs or are uncertain about:
How to protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Whether emergency contraception protects against pregnancy after unprotected sex.
Whether abortion pills end an existing pregnancy.
Recent KFF research found widespread incorrect beliefs that emergency contraception “can end a pregnancy in its early stages.” The research also found widespread confusion about whether emergency contraception can be legally purchased in a respondent’s state.
