Should The Pill Be Available Over the Counter? Growing Number Of OB/GYNs Say Yes [Video]

Condoms are available over the counter. A person over the age of seventeen does not need to see a doctor to get the morning after pill. Should birth control pills be just as available? The American College Of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published their opinion Tuesday in the 'Journal Of Obstetrics & Gynecology', and it may surprise you. Details after the jump.

It's surprising that a group of doctors who probably make a good part of their living from office visits would discourage a reason to visit a doctor's office, but a growing number of OB/GYNs share the opinion that birth control pills should be made available over- the- counter, no prescription needed. They say that health risks associated with the Pill are minimal, no pap smear or blood work is needed, and half of this country's pregnancies are unintended.

Despite the ACOG's opinion, this probably won't happen anytime soon. Any drug company wanting to sell birth control pills without a prescription would need the government's permission to do so.

Share your thoughts. Would over the counter birth control pills limit the risk for unwanted pregnancies, or up the odds for risky sexual behavior, especially in young people?