Birth control now available over the counter without prescription in Arizona

Patients 18 years old and older can check their nearest pharmacy for access to the contraceptives

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - While Governor Katie Hobbs (D-Arizona) refuses to rescind her abortion-related prosecution order, birth control is now available over the counter for Arizonans without a prescription.

The legislation, Senate Bill 1082 was passed into law in 2021 and signed by former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, but needed to follow a set of rules before moving forward.

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) issued a statewide standing order supporting this bill.

Sheila Sjolander, Deputy Director for Public Health Services said the Board of Pharmacy completed those rules and those rules were approved on Wednesday.

"And so our role as the state health department was for our chief medical officer to write the standing order that allows pharmacists to dispense the contraceptives without a separate prescription," said Sjolander.

Patients will have access to oral contraceptives, hormonal contraceptive patches, and vaginal rings as long as they are 18 years old and older.

This service is to provide individuals with the information and means to exercise personal choice in determining the number and spacing of their children, according to ADHS.

One local pharmacist Dr. Kwame Quansah says this is a good thing especially for the underserved communities.

"It gives women the opportunity to plan their families better, prevent teens from unplanned pregnancy, gets people educated and on board," said Dr. Quansah.

One Yuma resident, Perion Johnson said he has three younger sisters and they can benefit from this in the future.

"Last thing I want is for them to be teen parents. It should be your body, your choice and if you can grab it off the counter, you should be able to do that instead of going through the extra loops and get it prescribed," said Johnson.

ADHS said not all pharmacies are participating so you're encouraged to call before going in.

"We do anticipate that it will take some time for many of the pharmacies to actually roll out and implement the ability to dispense the medication," explained Sjolander.

As far as receiving the medication, patients are required to complete a nationally-recognized questionnaire prior to a pharmacist dispensing the birth control and will also have their blood pressure measured to ensure the safety of patients.

"The pharmacist will take a look at that information and will help them determine which of the medications that are available through the standing order would best suit them and/or if they need to be referred out and back to a health care provider," Sjolander explained.

Dr. Quansah says the most challenging thing is time. Not filling the contraceptives, but taking care of all the patients in a timely manner because it does get busy and especially now with the prerequisites.

Sjolander said this law is a huge benefit in expanding birth control access and how easy it is to get medication from a pharmacy that could ease a burden.

"Versus having to go see your healthcare provider first and do that visit and pay the office visit and take time off from work," Sjolander mentioned.

Patients are financially responsible for the service and may provide proof of insurance or out-of-pocket payment. 

Arizona now joins more than 20 other states that have implemented regulations allowing pharmacists to issue Food and Drug Administration-approved self-administered hormonal contraceptives to patients without an individualized prescription. 

Click here for more information about the standing order and legislation.