SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Starting on Friday, women in California can get birth control without a prescription–no matter her age.
This is based on a state law passed in 2013. The hope is by making birth control easier and more convenient to get, more women will use it.
And the numbers of unintended pregnancies, and also abortions, will go down.
While you do not need to see a doctor, this is not over the counter. A person has to speak with a pharmacist.
Women also will have to fill out a brief health screening questionnaire. There are no age restrictions.
Opponents fear not requiring a doctor’s visit could mean fewer women will get screened for sexually transmitted diseases.
California is the third state to start such a law, following Washington and Oregon.
But in Oregon, woman have to be over 18 years old.