April 12-- A new law is supposed to make it easier for women in California to get birth control, as it can now be dispensed directly by pharmacists without a doctor’s prescription (New law allows pharmacies to dispense birth control without a doctor’s prescription). Some said they intend to begin directly dispensing birth control, but haven’t started because each pharmacist must first be certified (New law allows pharmacies to dispense birth control without a doctor’s prescription). The law-- which gives pharmacists the option to directly dispense birth control but does not require it-- passed in 2013 (New law allows pharmacies to dispense birth control without a doctor’s prescription). Politics and red tape prevented it from going into effect sooner (New law allows pharmacies to dispense birth control without a doctor’s prescription). Participating pharmacies will make women’s lives easier, saving them time and eliminating a co-pay tied for visiting a doctor’s office. The pills, however, won’t be available on store shelves. Women will have to see the pharmacist, fill out a questionnaire about their health and have their blood pressure taken (New law allows pharmacies to dispense birth control without a doctor’s …show more content…
Birth Control, the various methods used to prevent pregnancy from occurring (Birth Control). Methods of birth control available today range from procedures that are generally permanent, such as sterilization, to temporary methods that must be used with each act of intercourse (Birth Control). Barrier method- physical blocks to sperm entering the uterus- include condoms, usable by both men and women, as well as the diaphragm, cervical cap, and a vaginal sponge for women (Birth Control). Oral contraceptives-commonly known as “the pill”-were developed in the 1950s, and were first approved by the FDA in 1960. The pill revolutionized birth control, because for the first time an effective contraceptive was available that did not have to be used in conjunction with intercourse (Birth Control). Hormonal methods besides IUD’s the hormonal delivery systems included pills, implants in the skin, injections, a vaginal ring, and a patch attached to the skin. Hormonal contraceptives contain a progestin or a combination of a progestin and a form of the female sex hormone known as estrogen (Birth Control). Depo-Provera, when used perfectly, is about as effective as the combination pill; in typical use its effectiveness is estimated at 97 percent (Birth Control). Spermicides are most valuable when used with a barrier device, but a variety of vaginal spermicidal products, among them jellies, creams, foams, suppositories, and films, are on the market they may be