Today, the White House announced it would propose new rules under the Affordable Care Act that would require insurers to cover over-the-counter birth control at no cost to patients. The guidance would include emergency contraception, spermicides, condoms, and the daily birth control pill Opill. 

In response, Debra Hauser, President of Advocates for Youth, the national sexual and reproductive health organization that leads the Free the Pill Youth Council and the youth-led movement for over-the-counter birth control, issued the following statement:

“Today’s announcement is a historic win for youth activists and allies who have spent years fighting for over-the-counter birth control, covered by insurance. In the face of rising attacks on contraception and reproductive health care, we applaud the Biden Administration for listening to scientists, experts, and activists across the country to empower everyone – of any age – to take control of their reproductive future. 

While today is unquestionably a day of celebration, we look forward to working with the Biden Administration throughout the public comment period to ensure young people on their parents’ insurance plan can access over-the-counter birth control confidentially. Any update to the Affordable Care Act must prioritize the needs of young people who testified at FDA hearings, signed petitions and rallied outside the White House to get us to this moment.”

Debra Hauser and organizers from the Free the Pill Youth Council are available for interviews to discuss the White House proposal and the youth-led movement to expand access to contraception. 

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Advocates for Youth is a 501(c)3 organization that champions efforts that help young people make informed decisions about their reproductive and sexual health. Advocates for Youth boldly advocates for a more positive and realistic approach to adolescent sexual health, focusing its work on young people ages 14-24 in the U.S. and around the globe.

For Immediate Release: October 21, 2024

Contact: Eleanor Naiman, eleanor.naiman@advocatesforyouth.org