Group advocates access to affordable contraception

Published: January 2, 2013

“Truth serum: Rights group silent on pill access issue” (Our Views, Dec. 24) wrongly accuses the Center for Reproductive Rights of remaining silent on the issue of women's access to standard birth control pills. In fact, the center is an active member of the Oral Contraceptives Over-the-Counter Working Group, a coalition of organizations, advocates, researchers and clinicians committed to expanding over-the-counter access to all oral contraceptives for all women. We've also strongly supported the Affordable Care Act, which increases access to affordable contraception for millions of women. And, as the editorial acknowledged, the center has been at the forefront of a decade-long legal battle to make emergency contraception available prescription-free and without restriction to all women.

Just last month, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists took a historic step and recommended oral contraceptives be sold over the counter without a prescription. This new development could have a huge impact on women's access to birth control and we're taking a close look at the potential legal avenues to support this groundbreaking effort. Broadening access to affordable contraception reinforces every woman's fundamental right to make her own decisions about her family, her future and her reproductive health.

Nancy Northup, New York City

Northup is president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights.

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