Should Adolescents Have Over-the-Counter Access to Oral Contraceptive Pills and Antibiotics?

The rate of teenage pregnancy and abortion in the U.S. is the highest in the developed world. Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are an effective method of contraception that has very few contraindications in healthy adolescents. This article discusses the issue of whether adolescents should be allowed access to OCPs and antibiotics for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases without prior consultation with a health care provider. The author argues that patient education and counseling that result from an interaction with a clinician are necessary for sexually active adolescents and could be greatly diminished if OCPs become available over-the-counter.