FDA approves first over-the-counter daily birth control

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved Opill as the nation's first over-the-counter birth control pill.

"Approval of this progestin-only oral contraceptive pill provides an option for consumers to purchase oral contraceptive medicine without a prescription at drug stores, convenience stores and grocery stores, as well as online," the FDA said.

FDA official Patrizia Cavazzoni said Opill is "expected to be more effective than currently available nonprescription contraceptive methods in preventing unintended pregnancy."

Women will now be able to obtain Opill without seeing a healthcare provider first.

The move comes as more states are passing laws restricting or banning abortions following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade last year.

Madeleine Hubbard is an international correspondent for Just the News. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram.