Drugmaker seeks FDA approval for over-the-counter birth control

(KYMA, KECY/ AP News) - For the first time ever, a pharmaceutical company has asked for permission to sell a birth control pill over-the-counter in the U.S.

HRA Pharma’s application on Monday sets up a high-stakes decision for health regulators amid legal and political battles over women’s reproductive health. 

Hormone-based pills have long been the most common form of birth control in the U.S., used by millions of women since the 1960s.

They have always required a prescription, generally so health professionals can screen for conditions that raise the risk of rare, but dangerous, blood clots.

An FDA approval could come next year and would only apply to HRA’s pill, which would be sold under its original brand name, Opill.