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REP. NANCY MACE INTRODUCES BILL TO INCREASE OVER-THE-COUNTER CONTRACEPTIVE OPTIONS FOR WOMEN

March 9, 2023

“It’s just common sense,” says Rep. Mace

Washington D.C. - Today Congresswoman Nancy Mace introduced the "Greater Access to Contraceptive Options Act,” to urge the FDA to give priority review for applications of self-administered contraceptives that can be used over-the-counter. 

The bill would also waive any fees applicants may have to pay to have their application considered, removing the red tape getting in the way of making more contraceptive options available to women everywhere. Self-administered contraceptives include:  birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings and injections or shots, for example.

"In South Carolina, we have areas where there isn’t a single OB-GYN doctor as far as the eye can see,” said Rep. Mace.“And post-Roe, if we want to get serious about reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in our country, we need to get serious about increasing the number of contraceptives available to women. We can make contraception approved for over the counter use more efficient, more affordable, and safe. It’s just common sense.”

Today, the current FDA process for getting contraception approved for over the counter use can be lengthy and costly. This bill seeks to prioritize review of applications for a wider range of contraceptive methods for women than just the pill, as an incentive for prospective applicants who seek to convert their contraceptive products from prescription only to over the counter and behind the counter status. 


The Greater Access to Contraceptive Options Act is endorsed by R- Street, “The R Street Institute has long been a champion of the free-market approach to contraceptive access. Our work aims to reduce government barriers to birth control while retaining responsible regulations. The Greater Access to Contraceptive Options Act is a groundbreaking piece of legislation that will remove some of the onerous barriers to contraception for women across the country by allowing various birth control methods to be provided over the counter. We are happy to support this bill, and we applaud Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) on this effort.” - Anthony Lamorena, Senior Federal Affairs Manager at the R Street Institute

ABOUT

Congresswoman Nancy Mace represents SC-01. She grew up in the Lowcountry. Before being sworn into Congress, Nancy earned accolades as one of the most fiscally conservative members of the South Carolina General Assembly; she’s also one of the most pro-conservation lawmakers in South Carolina. Nancy is the recipient of the 2019 Taxpayer Hero Award from the South Carolina Club for Growth; she has a 100% record of voting to lower taxes. Nancy also has a 100 percent rating with Conservation Voters of South Carolina.

Media Contact: 

SC01press@mail.house.gov

 

Issues:Healthcare

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