California law prohibits women from buying birth control pills without prescription. The law was then revised by the government wherein pharmacists were given the power to sell hormonal birth control pills.
Birth control pills have been controversial all throughout the years as it has its fair share of pros and cons. Though it was made to correct women's hormonal imbalance, there are those that suffer the negative side effects of the pill.
According to NPR, despite the fact that the California governor already permitted pharmacies to sell a selection of hormonal birth control over the counter, women are still having a hard time buying it. One of the birth control options that is not being sold over the counter is the IUD. Women are required to go to a health care clinic or their OB-GYN to have IUD.
Two of the biggest health care companies, Walgreens and Rite Aid announced that they will not be providing over the counter birth control (pills, patches and other methods) without a prescription. It was mentioned that Walgreens are yet to decide as to when they would allow over the counter both control distribution.
Known as the Senate Bill No. 493, it highlighted the pharmacist's authority to prescribe and sell certain medications. They are also given the authority to interpret the patient's test result for the to be given the appropriate medication.
"The bill would authorize pharmacists to order and interpret tests for the purpose of monitoring and managing the efficacy and toxicity of drug therapies, and to independently initiate and administer routine vaccinations, as specified," part of the bill wrote.
Though birth control pills are ideal for hormone correction, it can be lethal for some individuals, thus visiting a doctor is a must to avoid further complications. Medical News Today highlighted the possible side effects which make self-medication dangerous. The side effects include bloating, migraine, nausea and even heavy periods.
