More pharmacies across NC providing birth control without doctor’s prescription

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – More pharmacies across the state are providing contraception without a doctor’s prescription. State health leaders say increasing access to contraception has health benefits for women and babies.

At Hogan’s Pharmacy in Lillington, pharmacists can help people find the best birth control option. They go through a series of health questions with patients and check their blood pressure.

State health leaders say more pharmacies across the state are providing birth control without a doctor’s prescription

“We have at least one pharmacy [providing the service] in 92 counties,” noted Dr. Elizabeth Tilson, the health director and chief medical officer of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Tilson and North Carolina Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kody Kinsley, visited Hogan’s Pharmacy on Tuesday.

“More than half of the births of North Carolina are unplanned,” said Kinsley. “We know that, unfortunately, when an individual, a woman, has an unplanned birth they’re often less prepared, and sometimes those maternal outcomes can be worse for the mother and for the baby.”

“There is not full access to contraception across the state, especially in our rural areas,” Tilson added.

Steve Adkins owns Health Park Pharmacy in Raleigh. He says this offers people an easier option.

“Having access to birth control is imperative and patients – just because of the busyness of their career or just limited access – don’t have a chance to go physician as often as they should.”

Still, Adkins thinks many people don’t realize that they can get birth control without a doctor’s prescription – either through an appointment with a pharmacist or buying one type of pill – Opill over the counter. He says he has not had a single customer purchase the over-the-counter pills or request a consultation with a pharmacist.

Stacie Hogan, who owns Hogan’s Pharmacy in Lillington, has had one patient use the service, but she hopes to see more.

“We’re happy to answer questions in regards to birth control pills,” she said. “They can be confusing, especially if you’ve never taken them before.”

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