The TGA Has Blocked Contraceptive Pills Being Sold Over the Counter—Here’s How Young Women Feel About It

Some thoughts from the people affected the most.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently blocked the move to allow the contraceptive pill to be legally sold at pharmacies.

This would have allowed women to buy the pill over the counter if they could prove they’d been prescribed the same pill within the last two years.

Instead, you’ll have to keep seeing your GP.

There is varied debate around whether this was a logical or a fair decision. We consulted some 18–24-year olds via a quick insta poll and 83% said that the pill should be available over the counter, while 17% reckon it shouldn’t.

We wanted to hear more, so we chatted to three everyday young women who are affected by this decision.

Neeve went on the pill for skin-related issues and felt that her GP could not provide any more advice than a pharmacist could.

Neeve thinks it would be great to get contraceptive pills over the counter, especially given how “tedious” the process is. “I actually have no reason to visit the doctor other than to get a script. So not only do you pay for a consultation with them, but you have to pay for the refill as well.”

She told us “it’s not a ramification, having a lack of information if you go to the pharmacy, because you’re not getting that at your GP either. Mine didn’t tell me anything about it, so I was unaware of a lot of implications.”

She thinks this can be solved by implementing mini consultations at the pharmacy. “In the same way when you’re getting a Plan B pill, they can give you a mini consultation. That information should be free.”

Naomi thinks that getting the pill over the counter won’t change women’s decisions around the medication.

“If you have a problem with the script you’re having, it doesn’t really stop you from going to the GP and asking for a different script.”

She makes the point that getting the pill over the counter won’t necessarily impact your decision to change your script or stop taking the pill altogether.

“It should be more convenient to access it over the counter,” she says, and reckons it won’t make a huge difference whether you’re talking to your GP or your pharmacist.

Ali has witnessed friends struggle with mental illness after starting the pill and wants women to receive the best advice possible.

“I understand (the pill) has to be regulated due to the lengthy and potentially dangerous side effects of the pill,” she says.

She also thinks it’s a pain to have to go to the GP every time for a new script. But seeing her friend’s experiences has made her weary.

“I’ve had some friends who have really struggled with mental illness after starting the pill. If they didn’t go to the GP, maybe they wouldn’t have changed pills or gotten the help that they needed when they went back to get a new prescription.”

It's a complicated issue which many women feel passionately about. We recommend always doing thorough research and speaking with a health professional if you have concerns about your contraceptive plans.

Header image: Anna Shvets via Pexels