RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – More pharmacies across the state are offering birth control pills without a doctor's prescription. State health leaders say increased access to contraception would benefit the health of women and infants.
At Hogan Pharmacy in Lillington, our pharmacists can help people find the birth control method that's best for them. They ask patients a series of health questions and check their blood pressure.
State health leaders say more pharmacies in the state are offering birth control without a doctor's prescription.
“We have at least one pharmacy.” [providing the service] in 92 counties,” said Dr. Elizabeth Tilson, director of health and chief medical officer for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Tilson and North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Cody Kinsley visited the Hogan Pharmacy on Tuesday.
“More than half of births in North Carolina are unplanned,” Kinsley said. “Unfortunately, we know that when women have unplanned births, they are often unprepared and in some cases such maternal outcomes can be worse for mothers and babies. I know.”
“We don't have complete access to contraception throughout the state, especially in rural areas,” Tilson added.
Steve Adkins owns Health Park Pharmacy in Raleigh. He says this gives people easier options.
“Access to contraception is essential, but patients don't see their doctors as often as they should, either because of their busy schedules or limited access.”
Still, Adkins believes many people don't know that they can get birth control without a doctor's prescription by asking a pharmacist or buying Opil, a type of pill, over the counter. He said not a single customer purchased over-the-counter drugs or asked to see a pharmacist.
Stacey Hogan, owner of Hogan Pharmacy in Lillington, has had one patient take advantage of the service so far, but she would like to see more.
“I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about oral contraceptives,” she said. “It can be confusing, especially if you've never taken it before.”